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130 years ago, a Norwegian captain set out on the first express voyage along the magnificent coastal line of Norway. At the time, he fulfilled a state-imposed mission; to connect the people of Norway with steamship routes for mail, goods, and passengers. Little did he know that the very same route, which is now stretching all the way from Bergen in the west to Kirkenes in the North, would become among the most popular tourist attractions in Norwegian history. The reason is obvious; traveling the Norwegian fjords this way reveals the most breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs, sea birds, harbors, and small villages that dot the entire coastline.
Now you can experience the traditional coastal route – and the best of Norway – in brand new, and more eco-friendly ships. Feel the power of nature; the majestic mountains, the vivid water, the stunning Northern lights dancing across the night sky, all while enjoying the modern comfort of a Havila Voyages coastal cruise ship.
Our story
“We sail through the world heritage, and so will those who come after us”. These words have been spoken many times by Per Sævik, the founder of the Havila Voyages. It all started in the year 1957, when he – at the age of 16 – bought his very first fishing boat. It was paid for by money he had earned from working on another fishing boat – every second day since the age of 12.
The years went by, and step by step, Per managed to build an empire of shipping related business. Today, the Havila Group is operating in shipping technology, offshore, transport and tourism, with Havila Voyages as its latest grant. The main office is located in the small coastal town, Fosnavåg – in Per Sævik’s home municipality – on the west coast of Norway.
Per Sævik, now past 80 years old, is still chairman of the board, and he is determined to take care of the nature and local environments through which the brand-new coastal cruise ships sail.
Meeting the Future
It is not without reason that the Havila Voyages’ first ship, Havila Capella (maiden voyage in December 2021) was crowned as the winner of the Next Generation Ship Award at Nor-Shipping 2022. Our four new ships are loaded with the world's largest battery pack ever installed on a passenger ship, meaning that we can sail through vulnerable fjords, such as the world heritage Geirangerfjord, for four hours straight with zero emissions.
“The fact that we can run for four hours on battery is not only revolutionary when it comes to protecting the environment – it’s a revolution in safety. Up till this day, the captain, the crew, and the passengers on any ship, have shared one concern: What if there’s a blackout? A battery pack this size is a backup that has never existed on any ship before. It will ensure that we always make it ashore safely, even at the unlikely event of the engines breaking down”. (Tom-Rune Einarsen, captain at Havila Capella)
The batteries are charged with clean hydropower ashore, and when we don't use the batteries, we run on LNG (liquid natural gas) which – along with general efficient hybrid operation – cuts CO2 emissions by around 35 per cent. NOx emissions are reduced by 90 per cent compared to equivalent ships on the route.
The hull is specially designed for maximum energy efficiency, and excess heat from cooling water and sea is used for heating on board.
