Norwegian expedition cruise line Hurtigruten has signed a letter of intent for up to four new ice-strengthened ships with the Kleven Shipyard in Norway.
Two ships, set for delivery in 2018 and 2019 will be the first new vessels for a more than a decade since the launch of MV Fram in 2007.
The two 300-stateroom ships will be built for the Canada, Arctic and Antarctic regions and the agreement includes an option for an additional two ships.
It is the largest single investment in the company’s more than 100-year history.
"This is a milestone for us and an expression of our confidence in the growth of the global market for adventure tourism," said Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten’s chief executive.
"People no longer want to spend their holiday time being passive spectators. Our experience is that explorers travelling with Hurtigruten crave adventurous activities and mindfulness in combination, therefore Hurtigruten offers active voyages."
