Underwater Explorer Drones for Hurtigruten's Expedition Cruise Ships

Norwegian cruise, ferry and cargo operator Hurtigruten is developing underwater drones for ocean exploration to be introduced on their expedition cruise ships.

The new drones are being developed in the extreme conditions of the Arctic Ocean where Hurtigruten has sailed for 125 years. Their wide-angle video camera uses special technologies that work in low-light conditions and can stream true-color images live to screens on the ships, or to screens or digital diving masks worn by guests in smaller explorer boats.

"Ninety percent of the ocean remains unexplored. With underwater drones on our ships, we can take our guests to areas less explored than the surface of Mars. This provides the opportunity for adventurous guests to become real explorers," said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

Hurtigruten offers voyages to some of the world’s most remote and pristine waters and destinations, such as Antarctica, the Northwest Passage, Arctic Canada, Greenland, Svalbard and the Norwegian coast.