World's first hybrid-electric cruise ship sailing into Vancouver tomorrow (PHOTOS)

MS Roald Amundsen. (Hurtigruten)

A brand new cruise ship sailing through the Lions Gate Bridge on Friday morning to reach the Canada Place terminal in downtown Vancouver is only about the size of the largest BC Ferries vessel, the Spirit of British Columbia, but it is still expected to make a head-turning arrival as it is the world’s first hybrid-electric cruise ship.

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The MS Roald Amundsen uses the newest environmentally-sustainable technologies to reduce its fuel consumption, providing a showcase for the possible mass adoption of hybrid propulsion on larger cruise ships.

The technology — using four diesel engines that also charge two large batteries, and combined with a more efficient hull design– reduces the vessel’s carbon dioxide emissions by 20%.

MS Roald Amundsen. (Hurtigruten)

MS Roald Amundsen is part of the fleet of Hurtigruten, also known as Norwegian Coastal Express. She made her maiden voyage from Tromsoe, Norway in July, and earlier this month it became the first hybrid vessel to travel through the Northwest Passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

The vessel is the sister ship of the MS Fridtjof Nansen, which is scheduled to launch in 2020. Both ships are specifically designed for traversing polar waters.

MS Roald Amundsen. (Hurtigruten)

Completed just earlier this year, MS Roald Amundsen holds up to 530 passengers and 150 crew, has a length of 459 ft and nine decks, a gross tonnage of 20,889 GT, and a top cruising speed of 15 knots.

In addition to the technological revolutionary design, she also features a comfortable contemporary Scandinavian-inspired interior design, with materials such as granite, oak, birch, and even wool used to create stylish cabins and common areas.

All cabins of the vessel have exterior frontage, and half of the cabins have private balconies. Luxury aft suites even include private outdoor hot tubs with views.

MS Roald Amundsen. (Hurtigruten)

When it comes to special amenities and attractions, the vessel has an indoor/outdoor observation deck — an optimal location to watch scenery and wildlife — and a science centre with state-of-the-art, high-tech gadgets.

There are three Norwegian-inspired restaurants, a unique lounge space, large fitness gym and wellness centre, and an aft infinity pool and hot tubs.

MS Roald Amundsen. (Hurtigruten)

MS Roald Amundsen is scheduled to arrive tomorrow at Canada Place at 8 am and depart at 8 pm. The vessel will only make one stop in Vancouver this year, but beginning in 2020, from May to September, she will be calling Vancouver its homeport for its Alaska cruise itineraries.

During the winter, she will be sailing itineraries between Chile and Antarctica.

MS Roald Amundsen. (Hurtigruten)

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