Havila Voyages marked a significant fleet expansion with the delivery of Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux.
- The ships were inaugurated at an official ceremony at Tersan shipyard in Turkey.
- This marks the doubling of the fleet for Havila Voyages, underscoring their growth.
- Chief Executive Bent Martini celebrates this as a major milestone for the company.
- The ships embody a commitment to climate and sustainability, utilising advanced battery technology.
In a notable advancement for the Norwegian shipping company, Havila Voyages has successfully expanded its fleet by receiving two new vessels, the Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux. This expansion was celebrated during an official ceremony held at the Tersan shipyard in Turkey, a symbolic gesture marking the resilience and growth of the company.
The delivery of these ships represents a substantial enhancement for Havila Voyages, effectively doubling their existing fleet. This achievement comes after a challenging construction phase, characterised by numerous setbacks. Chief Executive Bent Martini acknowledged the significance of this development, describing it as a milestone that required considerable time, resources, and perseverance.
The operational debut of the Havila Polaris is scheduled for August 17, with Havila Pollux set to follow shortly on August 23, both starting their journeys from Bergen. The company secured the necessary licenses earlier this year to finance its coastal fleet, which also involved releasing the original financing partner’s security interest in the ships. This financial restructuring has allowed Havila to achieve full ownership of its fleet, a strategic objective that proves their capability in solidifying their financial foundation.
Martini emphasised the €150 million value attributed to each of the four coastal route ships and their quest to secure a new financing partner that facilitated full ownership. He highlighted the achieved goal of refinancing, which aligns with their strategic pursuit of gaining independence in ship ownership.
Crucially, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux are equipped with a highly sophisticated battery system, boasting a capacity of 6.1 megawatt-hours, which enables emission-free operation for up to four hours. Martini asserted the company’s firm commitment to climate responsibility and sustainability, insisting that their environmental efforts extend beyond marketing or rhetoric. Havila Voyages is notably dedicated to having its fleet meet, and even surpass, the requirements set forth by contractual agreements with the Ministry of Transport, further supported by a recent historic zero-emission cruise to Norway.
Havila Voyages’ new ships represent a forward-thinking commitment to sustainable cruising and fleet enhancement.
