The coastal route vessel Havila Polaris was officially named in a ceremony at Hammerfest (Norway) on Tuesday, October 15th, with Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Naess, serving as the ship’s godmother.
According to local historian and Hammerfest Port employee Ola Johannessen, this event marked the first time a ship on the Bergen-Kirkenes coastal route has been named in Finnmark, adding significance to the occasion.
The naming ceremony took place at the new city pier in Hammerfest, where Minister Naess, a former mayor of the city, followed tradition by christening the vessel with clean water from Geiranger, poured over its hull.
CEO Bent Martini at Havila Voyages said the first voyage on the coastal route back in 1893 went from Trondheim to Hammerfest, so they felt it was especially fitting to hold the naming ceremony for Havila Polaris in this city.
“Additionally, Finnmark and Hammerfest are still very important for the coastal route today, in addition to us having our crew office up here.
“We chose a more environmentally friendly naming ceremony rather than smashing a champagne bottle on the ship’s side. This is in line with our sustainability efforts, and the wooden ladle used to pour the water symbolizes the need to care for both nature and our resources.
“I think it was a dignified and beautiful ceremony, and we are pleased that all four of our coastal route ships are now named.”