The line started the Sea Zero project to develop ships with zero emissions by 2030. In collaboration with research institute SINTEF and a number of other partners, the first funding application for the next phase of the project has now been submitted.

The line’s chief executive Hedda Felin said "being first movers" in the industry "has its challenges", especially in relation to costs, as only 0.1% of all vessels globally have zero emissions technology.
 
"The cost of going first is always higher than copying others a few years later," she added. "However, our environment is running out of time, and Hurtigruten Norway and our partners want to do our part and lead the way to zero emissions."
 

In August 2022, a feasibility study looking at possible technology and fuel options for the new ships pointed to testing a range of new technologies, alongside investigating modern batteries for more environmentally friendly Hurtigruten ships.

   
In collaboration with Hurtigruten Norway, thirteen partners have signed on to the team, who will help develop zero-emission ships customised for the Norwegian coast and pioneer new solutions for the industry.