From the bustling dockyards of Norway emerges a sea marvel, the MS Richard With. Hurtigruten’s pride and Kongsberg Maritime’s brilliant testament to eco-friendly maritime technology, this ship celebrates its first year back in service after an amazing refit. With a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions by 23%, this vessel is indeed charting a new course in sustainable maritime technology.
Putting an Emphasis on Sustainable Engineering
Kongsberg Maritime, known around the globe for its innovative technology and engineering prowess, played a pivotal role in bringing a significant transformation to MS Richard With. Built-in 1993, the ship was the first to revamp as part of a colossal project involving the conversion of three Hurtigruten ships into hybrid technology, a venture that portrays a promising future with quieter operations and a minimal carbon footprint.
The dramatic transformation of MS Richard With, which saw its relaunch in August last year, wasn’t achieved overnight. Leveraging the expertise of Myklebust Verft shipyard, a stunning overhaul saw the integration of two hybrid shaft generators, Bergen B33:45V engines, and a couple of SaveEnergy 1,120kWh lithium-ion batteries. The revamp also focused on safety with new tunnel thruster motors, a retractable azimuth thruster, controllable pitch propeller blades, and cutting-edge digital management systems making the ship safer to sail.
A Conservative Approach to Marine Sustainability
Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Coastal Express, speaks with pride about the transformation of MS Richard With and the company’s commitment to sustainability. “We had the chance to upgrade our fleet and arm it with the best technology without compromising the environment,” Felin says. Taking the retrofit route instead of scrapping and building anew demonstrated a mindful approach toward marine sustainability.
Propelling Into the Future With Tiered Emissions Control
Walking the tightrope of meeting IMO regulations on emissions reduction and providing a smooth sailing experience is a challenge that ship owners and operators face. However, the revamped MS Richard With is a testament to overcoming this. Geir Oscar Løseth, Vice President of Sales Aftermarket Advanced Offerings at Kongsberg Maritime, reveals that the vessel now has multiple layers of assured performance. “The vessel allows for flexible operation modes. It can run entirely on zero-emission batteries while also offering the options for main engine or auxiliary engine operation. This flexibility fulfills new requirements for lower-emission travel along the coast,” he says.
Pioneering the Path Towards Greener Maritime Industry
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, president of Kongsberg Maritime, emphasizes the company’s role in crafting greener marine technology by aiding customers in transitioning to sustainable practices. “Our role is not limited to delivering new products and solutions; we also focus on improving the existing fleets and guiding the customers during the transition,” said Haugan. With this strategic, mindful, and conservationist approach, Kongsberg Maritime is indeed pioneering the path towards a greener maritime industry. It’s clear that ships like MS Richard With are not just vessels; they are ships of change, sailing towards a sustainable future.
