Aiming for Growth in the Next Contract Period

During Nor-Shipping in Lillestrøm on Wednesday, CEO of HAV Group, Gunnar Larsen, and CEO of Havila Voyages, Bent Martini, presented initial thoughts on continuing their cooperation. The goal is clear: Havila Voyages wants to grow on the Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen route in the next contract period and further reduce its emissions.

“Even with the current fleet, we can already deliver a minimum of carbon neutrality by using biogas. Today’s ships can be further optimized and operated with green hydrogen or carbon capture with LNGameChanger. This is realistic – not just a vision,” says Bent Martini of Havila Voyages.

“In addition, it’s possible to optimize energy consumption by up to 30% on today’s ships, which will have a significant positive effect in reducing emissions.”

With ambitions for growth on the Coastal Route, the company will also need to build new ships.

“Together with HAV Group, we’ve begun looking at the next generation of coastal cruise ships. These will be based on the current fleet but will be even better, with features that surpass what is already a strong foundation,” Martini explains.

Calling for Strict Environmental Requirements from Norwegian Authorities
The details of the potential new ships are not yet finalized, and several solutions have already been discussed.

“Optimizing energy consumption onboard – both in hotel operations and propulsion systems – is good for reducing emissions but also makes sense economically. At the same time, we want ships that, regardless of energy use, produce the lowest emissions possible,” says Martini.

“We have a clear message for Norwegian authorities: much stricter environmental requirements in the next contract. Minimum year-round carbon neutrality on the entire route is our firm recommendation – and we’re ready to deliver on that from day one with our entire fleet.”

At Nor-Shipping, Larsen and Martini invited the Norwegian maritime cluster to work closely together to realize these ambitions.

“The Norwegian maritime cluster is world-class in innovation and development. We want to collaborate closely with suppliers who see solutions that can make the Coastal Route a beacon in reducing the climate impact of large passenger ships,” concludes Martini.

The Work Has Begun
At HAV Group, they are already working on solutions for both the current fleet and future coastal route ships.

“Havila Voyages’ demands is clear, and we’re taking on the challenge wholeheartedly,” says Gunnar Larsen of HAV Group.

“This is a collaboration we’re truly looking forward to, and as a supplier of maritime solutions together with our subsidiaries, we are confident that we can meet the requirements.”

Larsen also emphasizes the importance of cooperation within the maritime cluster to achieve the goals.

“Together, we can continue putting Norway on the maritime map. We have the brains and the resources to find the best solutions – ones that can also be scaled up and applied to other areas of the shipping industry. The opportunities are endless,” Larsen concludes.