The single largest upgrade project in Hurtigruten’s history has seen the MS Richard enter the drydock at Norway’s Fosen Yard for a one-month full overhaul.

The custom-built polar vessel will see work on all cabins, suites and guest areas.

“We are thrilled to give the ship named after our founder a standard Richard With himself would be proud of,” Hurtigruten chief executive Daniel Skjeldam said.

This is the first of the two-step upgrade that will transform the vessel to one of the most modern and environmentally friendly cruise ships in the world.

Over the course of the next two years, Hurtigruten will replace diesel propulsion with large battery packs and green LNG (liquefied natural gas) engines on MS Richard With and at least five others of its existing ships.

“Hurtigruten is strongly committed to being the frontrunner in green change.

“As we introduce the ships on the Norwegian coast, they set new standards for the industry to follow,” Skjeldam added.

The major upgrade of MS Richard With – which will operate Hurtigruten’s legendary and original Bergen – Kirkenes voyage – will see a number of new features being added to the ship.

These include all new staterooms, a full make-over of the aft-facing Torget main restaurant, an enlarged gym and the addition of two new lecture halls.

After a recent order for a third hybrid-powered expedition cruise ship, Hurtigruten operates a growing fleet of 17 custom built expedition ships.

Exploring unique destinations from pole to pole, including Antarctica, South America, Norway, Svalbard, Greenland, Northwest Passage and other Arctic destinations, Hurtigruten is the world’s largest expedition cruise operator.