Hurtigruten And The Great Plastic Ban

In the hope that other cruise lines follow suit, Hurtigruten, who sail to some of the world’s most remote, pristine and delicate environments, have made their announcement at a time when concern for rising plastic in the oceans is at an all time high. To ensure they are operating with the smallest footprint possible, Hurtigruten will forego plastic straws, coffee lids and plastic bags on all of their 14 ships from this July, even single-use butter packaging!

 

“There is a lot of talk about the impact plastic has on our oceans,"

said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

"But it’s time to take action."

 

And it doesn’t stop there, they intend to extend the ban to incorporate their hotels and other land-based operators. They’ve also announced that nine of their ships will be retro-fitted to use liquified natural gas and battery propulsion, further limiting their impact on the environment.

 

 

"Operating in pristine areas as we do, comes with a responsibility,"

added Daniel.

 

Hurtigruten have focused on the problem of plastic pollution for many years, organising annual beach clean-ups involving their 2,500 employees as well as some of their 400,000 guests!

 

 

EXAMPLES OF HURTIGRUTEN’S PLASTIC BAN

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Straws in bars and restaurants

Annual consumption: 960,000 pieces

Weight: approximately 2,80 0kg (6,200 lbs)

 

Plastic Cups

Annual consumption: 390,000 pieces

Weight: approximately. 5,000kg (11,000 lbs)

 

Single-Use Packages Of Butter

Annual consumption: 826,000 pieces

Weight: approximately. 826kg (1,800 lbs)

 

Join Hurtigruten on an environmentally conscious voyage to the pristine wilderness of Svalbard.