Exploring some of the most pristine waters of the planet has never been more eco-friendly as Hurtigruten introduces silent, electric-powered and emission-free catamarans.

Hurtigruten partnered with the Norwegian startup Brim Explorer, introducing battery powered catamarans custom built for Polar water exploration.

Debuting in the spring of 2020, the 24-metre vessel will operate a variety of daily silent and sustainable ocean excursions from its homeport Longyearbyen on the Arctic island of Svalbard – operating under the Hurtigruten Svalbard brand.

Featuring large battery packs, the hybrid catamaran will be one of the world’s most flexible electric ships. It can be charged at virtually any port and operate on batteries for 10 hours with a cruising speed of 10 knots.

Brim Explorer’s first vessel – similar to its sister that will operate exclusively under the Hurtigruten Svalbard brand – is currently under construction in Norway. Debuting in August, it will offer Hurtigruten guests travelling along the Norwegian coast truly unique excursions, including the Lofoten Islands (spring and summer), based out of Svolvær; and northern light voyages (winter) based out of the Arctic capital of Tromsø.

Both ships will feature large windows that will take up to 140 guests closer to the elements.

To fully capture wildlife both above and below the surface, the explorer catamarans will also feature hydrophones and underwater drones from another Norwegian startup already partnering with Hurtigruten – Blueye Robotics. Their drones will be introduced to several of Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise ships, as well as all Brim Explorer experiences.

The battery powered catamarans will be custom built for Polar water exploration.