Havila Voyages takes delivery of first ship

Norwegian coastal cruise line start-up Havila Voyages has taken delivery of its first ship ahead of its launch in December 2021

Havila Capella, and the remaining ships due to launch before 2023, will be fitted with battery packs, meaning the vessels will be able to sail through the fjords for up to four hours without producing emissions.

Batteries can be charged in ports on the coastal itineraries from Bergen to Kirkenes.

The line is scheduled to take delivery of its second vessel in January and the final two ships are due to arrive in summer 2022.

Havila said Capella will offer “a modern and stylish Nordic design, with décor that reflects Norwegian landscapes and uses natural materials”.

Each of the four vessels will operate as part of a 10-year contract with the Norwegian government to sail along the Norwegian coastline.

Havila Capella’s 12-day voyages take in 34 ports and pass four Unesco heritage sites

Chief executive Bent Martini said: “We have been looking forward to this day for many months.

“Launching a new shipping company is a very special event to be part of, especially given this is the largest investment in tourism we have seen along the Norwegian coast.”

Capella was built at Tersan shipyard in Turkey. Martini said footage of the ship’s voyage from Turkey to Norway will be posted online to give “a sneak preview” of Capella.

Havila Voyages is a family-run business headquartered in Fosnavåg in Norway.

For more information, visit www.havilavoyages.com