Fridtjof Nansen launched. Second hybrid expedition ship for Hurtigruten

Fridtjof Nansen is Roald Amundsen's twin (although the ships will not be 100% identical), which in turn was launched in February this year. Both units, named after the famous Norwegian explorers of the North, Hurtigruten contracted in April 2016. The letter of intent signed by the yard and the shipowner provides for the option of building a third ship. Elements of Amundsen and Nansen's hulls and superstructures were created in one of the Gdańsk shipyards. The design of units to travel in polar waters was developed by Rolls-Royce. The British tycoon also provided an Icon dynamic positioning system with two jet rudders), Aquarius 100 tilt stabilizers and integrated ACON control system.

A pair of new Norwegian shipping company cruisers, as the world's first in this class of passenger ships, have been equipped with hybrid drive as well as ice reinforcements. Both solutions will reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions of harmful substances by about 20% (i.e. about 6400 cubic metres of CO2 a year less) and operate in extremely difficult ice conditions. The design of the underwater part of the hull also reduces fuel combustion. In addition, for the first time in history, expeditionary passenger ships will be able to move silently and without generating exhaust gas through the option of using a fully electric drive. The supply of electricity collected in battery batteries can supply engines for 15-30 minutes, depending on conditions and speed. Most receivers and devices on ships are also powered by electricity. The solutions related to the implementation on Amundsen and Nansen of hybrid drive and accompanying solutions consumed 124 million Norwegian kronor, of which 45.1 million were paid by Enova, a Norwegian agency to promote environmentally friendly solutions.

The interiors will be comfortable, decorated in Scandinavian style, finished with oak and birch wood and granite and wool. About 530 passengers will have 300 cabins at their disposal – all exteriors, and half of them will have their own balconies. In addition, the units include observation platforms, as well as "scientific centres", in which passengers and crew will be able to discuss matters related to the explored waters. There will be a "control centre" of the expedition, as ships will carry motor boats, canoes and Blueye submarines, thanks to which guests will learn about the freezing nature from close proximity.

Nansen has a gross capacity of 20,889 units, a length of 140 m and a width of 23.6 m. The gym consists of four diesel engines Rolls-Royce Bergen B33:45 (with SCR system limiting nitrogen oxide emissions) driving generators and two Gondola propulsors Rolls-Royce Azipull with electric motors with solid magnets. This ensures that it reaches 15 knots. Both ships are to commence operation in the second quarter of 2021.

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