Hurtigruten and Brunvoll Receive Funding to Develop Zero-Emission Ship

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Hurtigruten and Brunvoll received funding from The Green Platform Initiative to develop a zero-emission vessel.

“This is great news for us. The support means that Hurtigruten Norway’s plans for zero-emission vessels on the Norwegian coastline take a large step forward and we are on schedule for our first vessel in 2030,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norway.

The Green Platform Initiative provides funding for companies focused on green growth and it is managed by Research Council, Innovation Norway and Siva, according to a statement.

The Norwegian Research Council has awarded the Sea Zero project 67 MNOK in funding to develop zero-emission ships, according to a press release.

The Sea Zero project involves several Norwegian companies working together to develop a complete zero-emission ship.

Brunvoll will develop propulsion systems and decision support systems for efficient and safe operations. For its contribution to the project, Brunvoll will receive 5,25MNoK.

“Brunvoll has long traditions for development of new technology and welcomes the focus on more zero emission. This is an important project, both to state Norway’s position in ship design, equipment, and building, and for Brunvoll to contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Knut Andresen, EVP of Engineering and Product Development at Brunvoll.

Hurtigruten plans to develop a zero-emission ship for the coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes. SINTEF will be a research partner and project manager for the project.

“The development of zero-emission vessels is very positive for the climate, but the project will also give a great positive effect on the maritime industry in Norway. Development of new green technology will increase competence and improve our export potential for the industry in general and for the partners in the project,” said Trond Johnsen, marketing director at SINTEF Ocean.

Carnival Corporation Cruise Brands Ramp Up Ad Spending

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Carnival Corporation is ramping up advertising spending across its portfolio of brands, according to President and CEO Josh Weinstein, speaking on the company’s year-end and fourth-quarter earnings call.

He said it was a move to support future demand.

“I’ve actively been working with each brand on their strategies and road maps,” Weinstein said. “As a result, I’ve authorized our brands to take a significant step up in advertising activities, including a nearly 20 per cent increase in our investment this past quarter over 2019, to elevate awareness and consideration and to drive demand for both the near and the longer term. This should be particularly impactful with those new-to-cruise, where we draw about one-third of our guests, as we position to take share from land-based alternatives.”

For example, Weinstein said that Princess Cruises would source more heavily in North America than in prior years due to source market disruptions elsewhere.

And the results have been good, Weinstein noted, with record Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales results at a number of brands.

“We think that advertising has a good amount to do with that, to really reach first-timers, generate awareness, generate consideration, and do so in a meaningful way. We’ve got great brands, and we’ve got tremendous brands, but we need to do a better job getting the voice out. And this is a good way to do it. And it helps not just us, it helps our trade partners, it helps the bookings across the board.”

Unscheduled Drydocking for Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience

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Ambassador Cruise Line will go ahead with an unscheduled drydock for the Ambience repairs in Germany following a safety issue found on the ship over the weekend.

The ship was unable to be repaired in the UK, according to the cruise line, and will now sail to Bremerhaven for the work.

While the drydock facility was not named, it could be Lloyd Werft, which is a key drydock in Bremerhaven with a long history of working on cruise vessels.

“We do not compromise on the safety of our guests, staff, or crew,” Ambassador said in a statement. “Therefore, while we have already started work, unfortunately, we are unable to complete it at the Port of Tilbury and therefore Ambience will need to go into drydock.

“She has left London Tilbury this afternoon to go to Bremerhaven where the work and tests will be completed. Regrettably, this will not be concluded in time to operate our Christmas & New Year Canary Islands Cruise, which was due to sail on Wednesday, December 21 2022. We will email all guests this afternoon to further explain and communicate this. We would advise all guests on this sailing to please wait to receive this communication before contacting either us directly or your travel agent.”

The company’s Christmas cruise was set to operate over 15 days to the Canaries. The ship is now expected back in service on Jan 5. 2023 for a 42-night cruise to the Caribbean.