Havila Voyages: the Future of Responsible Tourism
Havila Voyages confirms its position as a leader in sustainability in the cruise industry, once again ranking first in the 2025 list published by the German environmental organization NABU.
This recognition rewards the company’s concrete efforts to implement integrated sustainable solutions and reduce carbon and pollutant emissions along the Norwegian coast, demonstrating a consistent commitment to cleaner and more environmentally friendly navigation.
Havila Capella & Havila Polaris (1)
NABU’s ranking, which evaluates cruise companies internationally based on their environmental impact, first included Havila Voyages in 2023. In just two years, the company has consolidated its top position, sharing the lead with Hurtigruten, another historic Norwegian company. Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages, expressed satisfaction with this result, highlighting it as a clear sign of a virtuous path, but also reminded that the greatest challenge lies ahead: by 2030, the entire fleet must sail completely emission-free along the coastal route. To this end, the company is planning to expand and renew its fleet with increasingly sustainable ships, confirming its ambitions for growth and innovation.
The German market, the largest in Europe and the second largest worldwide in the cruise sector, plays a strategic role for Havila Voyages. The growing awareness of sustainability and climate neutrality makes Northern Europe a particularly attractive destination for German passengers. This trend is also confirmed by numerous studies conducted by the Cruise Lines International Association, which highlight how environmental concerns are becoming an increasingly decisive factor in vacation choices.
A concrete example of Havila Voyages’ commitment is the planned first fully climate-neutral voyage scheduled for next fall. The ship will cover approximately 5,000 nautical miles from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, using a combination of electric propulsion and 100% biogas. At the same time, the company aims to achieve climate neutrality for its entire fleet by 2028 and zero emissions by 2030. Beyond technological innovation, the company also stands out for its sustainable approach onboard, with a food concept based almost exclusively on local Norwegian suppliers and a strict policy to reduce food waste, already exceeding its set targets.
Havila Capella sails through the beautiful Hjorundfjord
Havila Pollux – Trollfjord
Although the cruise sector still has a long way to go, as pointed out by NABU, significant steps toward greater environmental protection are clearly being made. Havila Voyages’ new ships, operating on the traditional route between Bergen and Kirkenes, represent an example of technological and sustainable excellence. Powered by liquefied natural gas and equipped with powerful batteries rechargeable in port, these vessels can sail for hours in fully electric mode—silent and emission-free—thus protecting the fragile ecosystems of the Norwegian fjords. Compared to the diesel ships that operated this route until 2017, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 35%, NOx emissions by 87%, and SOx emissions by 100%, confirming Havila Voyages’ pioneering role in the sector.
In conclusion, Havila Voyages demonstrates through concrete actions that tourism and environmental protection can go hand in hand, offering an innovative and responsible cruise model. The reaffirmation at the top of NABU’s ranking and the technological and operational progress made confirm that the company is ready to lead the industry’s transformation toward a more sustainable future, providing travelers with unforgettable experiences while respecting the planet.
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