Hurtigruten's New Hybrid Cruise Ship "Roald Amundsen"

The new hybrid Roald Amundsen has debuted for Hurtigruten, becoming the first cruise ship able to operate on battery power.

The ship turned on her battery packs for the first time off the west coast of Norway recently, enabling her to silently move through the water completely emission free.

Hurtigruten captain Kai Albrigtsen was at helm as MS Roald Amundsen left the yard for her maiden voyage along the Norwegian coast.

"This opens a new chapter in maritime history. MS Roald Amundsen is the first cruise ship equipped with batteries, something deemed impossible just a few years back. With the introduction of MS Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten sets a new standard not only for cruising, but for the entire shipping industry to follow," said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

The ship is named after polar hero Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to traverse the Northwest Passage.

Hurtigruten will launch two more sister ships -  Fridtjof Nansen in 2020 and another vessel in 2021.