Aiming for Growth in the Next Contract Period

04 Jun 2025 12:19 CEST

With a goal of growth in the next contract period on the Coastal Route Bergen –
Kirkenes – Bergen, Havila Voyages and HAV Group have formalized their
collaboration. Together, they have clear ambitions for lower emissions and
higher energy efficiency for the next generation of coastal route ships, as well
as further development of the current Havila Voyages fleet.

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
route 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.

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