Havila Voyages Moves Towards Zero Emissions
During Arendalsuka, Havila Voyages and HAV Group presented their plans to ensure that the current coastal fleet, along with future newbuilds, will be at least climate neutral, with the ambition of reaching zero emissions.
Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages, outlined the company’s future plans. He emphasized the company’s intention to strengthen its presence on the Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen coastal route in the next contract phase, aiming for growth based on a fleet that meets the strictest environmental standards.
Havila Castor navigating in Risoyrenna_
Martini stated that climate neutrality should be considered the minimum requirement for future tenders and reiterated that the company is ready to meet this standard from day one. According to him, current technology already allows compliance with more stringent requirements—provided that political decisions support this direction. In his view, if Norwegian authorities stay true to their ambitions, the ships on the coastal route could become a benchmark for the green transition in the maritime sector, generating positive synergies in other industrial areas as well.
Martini also highlighted the need for consistent and stable political decisions. He pointed out that when authorities hesitate or change requirements—as has happened in the UNESCO World Heritage fjords—the result is a slowdown in green investments. He noted that many companies talk about climate and sustainability, but do little to take concrete action, partly due to the lack of clear and lasting regulations.
Among the most concrete announcements, Havila Voyages revealed it is already working to carry out, by autumn, a full climate-neutral voyage along the coastal route. The initiative involves using 100% biogas in combination with the large battery packs installed onboard. The company is negotiating with suppliers to secure sufficient volumes of alternative fuel. According to Martini, if successful, one of Havila’s ships could soon complete the entire Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen round trip—over 5,000 nautical miles—without generating climate-altering emissions.
Gunnar Larsen and Bent Martini at Arendalsuka 2025
The challenge doesn’t fall solely on the shipping company. HAV Group, the project’s technical partner, will be involved in optimizing the existing fleet and potentially designing new vessels. CEO Gunnar Larsen confirmed the company’s readiness to rise to the challenge, highlighting that through collaboration with subsidiaries, partners, and the Norwegian maritime cluster, it will be possible to develop an entirely national supply chain, from design to construction. Larsen described the initiative as a unique opportunity to generate value within Norway while supporting the sustainability of the coastal route and the growth of the country’s maritime sector.
The presentation took place during Arendalsuka, Norway’s most important political and social event. Held annually in Arendal, it brings together politicians, businesses, organizations, and citizens to debate key national and international issues. The event is considered a kind of festival of Norwegian democracy.
The collaboration between Havila Voyages and HAV Group thus marks a decisive step toward decarbonizing the Norwegian coastal route. With a climate-neutral voyage expected as early as this autumn and a long-term commitment to designing a zero-emissions fleet, the project blends technological innovation, political consistency, and national industrial value. The historic Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen route could become not only a symbol of Norwegian tradition but also an international model of maritime sustainability.
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