The most sustainable cruise ship in the world, Hurtigruten’s Roald Amundsen, has become the first ship to be named in Antarctica.

Replacing the traditional bottle of champagne with a chunk of ice, godmother and polar pioneer Karen Strand revived the ritual, which was invented by the same explorer the ship was named after.

“We could not think of a better location than Antarctica to name a truly unique ship like Roald Amundsen,” Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said.

With crew and guests from more than 20 countries taking part in the world’s first hybrid powered cruise ship’s maiden Antarctica voyage, Roald Amundsen was officially named in spectacular surroundings in Chiriguano Bay, Brabant Island, Antarctica on Thursday 7 November at 10am local time.

The cruise line, specially designed Roald Amundsen for exploring some of the most spectacular waters of the planet. The hybrid powered expedition ship honours her namesake’s legacy by taking guests to destinations such as Antarctica, Alaska and the Northwest Passage.

“For all of us on board Roald Amundsen this is a very special day for a very special ship. She is the most innovative vessel to hit the waters in decades and we hope she will serve as an inspiration for others to follow,” Captain Kai Albrigtsen said.

Packed with groundbreaking green technology, Roald Amundsen uses large battery packs to support her low-emission engines, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 20% compared to other cruise ships of the same size.

“I am truly honored to share a historical moment like this with likeminded explorers and colleagues, dedicated to exploring our oceans in a more sustainable way,” godmother Karin Strand said.

As the guests of Roald Amundsen followed the naming ceremony from inflatable explorer boats, they were joined by guests and crew on board Hurtigruten’s MS Midnatsol – currently on an expedition cruise exploring Antarctica.

“I believe Roald Amundsen would be proud. With the ship carrying his name and legacy, Hurtigruten is pushing borders, challenging the industry, and keep pushing towards a greener and more sustainable operation. As Roald Amundsen was the symbol of a new era of exploration, Roald Amundsen is the symbol of a new era in the cruise industry,” said Mr Skjeldam.

This summer, Roald Amundsen made history as the first cruise ship to sail on battery power and became the first hybrid powered ship to traverse the legendary Northwest Passage.

After completing the 2019/2020 Antarctica season, Roald Amundsen will spend the summer of 2020 in Alaska.

A second battery hybrid powered expedition cruise ship – Fridtjof Nansen – will join the growing Hurtigruten fleet next spring. She is currently under construction at Norway’s Kleven Yard and is expected to be delivered well ahead of her April 2020 debut.