Cruise & Cruise Line

This Cruise Line Will Power Their Ships With Dead Fish

Image: PHOTO: Hurtigruten's Richard With (photo courtesy Hurtigruten)
Image: PHOTO: Hurtigruten's Richard With (photo courtesy Hurtigruten)
Alex Temblador
by Alex Temblador
Last updated: 12:55 AM ET, Wed November 21, 2018

Hurtigruten is beloved for its cruise trips to the Arctic and through Norway's fjords. Among cruise ships, they've done well on implementing eco-friendly practices, such as by banning single-use plastics on all of their ships.

Soon, they'll be able to boast an entirely unique and green method to power their ships -- dead fish.

The shipping industry often uses high-sulfur fuel which produces sulfur oxides and contributes to the acidification of seas and rain.

While there have been efforts by the International Maritime Organization to set a .5% sulfur limit to marine fuel by 2020, Hurtigruten has taken a step toward reducing their impact on the oceans and environment.

The cruise line will power six of their 17 ships with the help of liquefied biogas, a type of fuel made from dead fish and other organic waste decompose. Hurtigruten plans to use the biogas in combination with liquified natural gas and large battery packs.

This new fuel will be implemented by 2021.

"While competitors are running on cheap, polluting heavy fuel oil, our ships will literally be powered by nature," Hurtigruten Chief Executive Officer Daniel Skjeldam said in a statement.

"Biogas is the greenest fuel in shipping and will be a huge advantage for the environment. We would love other cruise companies to follow," he added.

In addition to biogas fuel, Hurtigruten is working to making their cruise line more eco-friendly in other ways. For instance, they ordered three new hybrid-powered cruise lines and have plans to be carbon neutral.

"Sustainability will be a key driver for the new era of shipping and the travel industry... Our ultimate goal is to operate our ships completely emission-free," Skjeldam said.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More Great Lakes Cruises with Victory Cruise LinesWednesday, September 9, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Cris Desouza, VP of Sales, and Barbara Davis, Director of Sales, for an inside look at what’s new...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More Great Lakes Cruises with Victory Cruise LinesWednesday, September 9, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Cris Desouza, VP of Sales, and Barbara Davis, Director of Sales, for an inside look at what’s new...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...