Chief executive Bent Martini outlined the line’s ambitions during a political conference in Norway on Thursday (14 August). Havila currently operates 12-day sailings between Bergen and Kirkenes but has plans to "expand its presence" along the coast with as little impact to the environment as possible.

"Right now, we are in the planning phase to test a full round voyage on the coastal route this fall, using biogas in combination with our large battery packs," Martini told conference delegates.

"We are in dialogue with suppliers to secure sufficient volumes to be able to fill the tanks with biogas, and we believe we will succeed. That would mean one of our ships could possibly sail more than 5,000 nautical miles, the entire 12-day coastal route, climate neutrally."

Martini confirmed the line has further growth ambitions, saying: "We want to grow with a fleet consisting of ships that can meet the environmental requirements of the future, which we expect and hope the authorities will set in the new contract [for Norway’s coastal route]."

Havila must enter a government-led tender process to win the contract to continue operating the coastal route. “Our message to politicians and decision-makers is clear: climate neutrality should be an absolute minimum in the next contract and we will deliver on that from day one," Martini continued.

“If the Norwegian authorities are serious about their environmental ambitions, the ships on the coastal route can be a beacon for the green transition in shipping and create synergies for other parts of the industry. 

"The technology exists, and the opportunities are there. It’s about the willingness to make the necessary investments. With strict environmental requirements from the authorities, those who want to operate the coastal route will be forced to deliver." 

Firing a parting shot at other stakeholders, Martini added: “The problem for the maritime industry, when politicians waver in their decisions – as we saw in the world heritage fjords – is that no one dares to invest in the green shift. 

"At the same time, many players live in glass houses. They talk about climate, environment, and sustainability, but do vanishingly little about it. This is partly because politicians are unpredictable when they don’t set clear requirements or change the requirements along the way.”

Havila has entered an agreement with maritime solutions firm HAV Group to deliver a fleet that operates climate-neutral sailings along the Norwegian coast. 

“The challenge Havila Voyages has given us is great, but we are ready and confident that we will deliver on the requirements,” explained HAV Group chief executive Gunnar Larsen. “Together with our subsidiaries and partners, and with the Norwegian maritime cluster, we can create something truly unique. 

"This could be Norwegian value creation in practice, where everything from development, design, and construction happens with Norwegian suppliers on Norwegian soil.

Larsen added: "The authorities can set requirements that promote both sustainable coastal route operations and the development of the Norwegian maritime cluster – that would be a win-win."