Karl WP Beyer November 8, 2020 - An unusual place for the christening of their hybrid expedition ship Roald Amundsen has been chosen bytraditional Norwegian mail line Hurtigruten selected. in theIn the presence of crew and guests from more than 20 countries, the shipping company christened its newest ship in the yesterdayChiriguano Bay off Brabant Island in Antarctica. Instead of the usual champagne bottle, a block of ice was used to christen the ship.
Roald Amundsen - Preparations for the Baptism Ceremony - Photo © Hurtigruten Andrea Klaussner
The expedition ship, which was commissioned in 2019, is 140 meters long and 23,60 meters wide. The ship has 265 cabins. The balcony quota of the cabins is more than 50 percent. With double occupancy, the Roald Amundsen can accommodate 530 travelers. A maximum of 500 participants are on board on Antarctic cruises. The ship has ice class PC-6. The ship includes a fully equipped science center, viewing platforms, an infinity pool, a wellness center with a panorama sauna, three restaurants, bars and the Explorer Lounge.
Hybrid ship Roald Amundsen - Photo © Hurtigruten
Roald Amundsen is the world's first hybrid-powered cruise ship. It is equipped with large battery packs and innovative technology. The battery operation supports the low-emission engines when necessary. The occasional electric drive reduces the CO2- Ship emissions by more than 20 percent compared to ships of the same size.
Another Hurtigruten ship, the MS Midnatsol, was near the Roald Amundsen during the christening act. While the guests of the person to be baptized watched the baptism from the landing boats, the guests of the MS Midnatsol observed the events from on board. The Chiriguano Bay in front of the Brabant Island in Antarctica is about 1.100 kilometers as the crow flies southeast of Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego.
Roald Amundsen - ice block instead of champagne bottle - Photo © Hurtigruten AndreaKlaussner
The ship's godmother is the Norwegian Karin Strand. In her role as “Vice President Expeditions” she is part of the Hurtigruten team. She leads the expert and expedition teams.
