Hurtigruten Expeditions appointed two seasoned exploration and environmental pioneers as godmothers of MS Fridtjof Nansen: Sunniva Sorby (Canadian) and Hilde Falun Strom (Norwegian).
The two explorers have dedicated their lives to engage a global dialogue and inspire action on climate change. They made history as the first women team to overwinter in Arctic Svalbard.
Svalbard is where Hurtigruten Expeditions established expedition cruising back in 1896 and will conduct its official naming ceremony for MS Fridtjof Nansen on September 14, 2021.
Exploring a total of 250 destinations across the globe, Hurtigruten is currently the largest and leading expedition cruise line in the world. Their newest battery-hybrid-powered expedition ship is named after one of the greatest polar heroes of all times, Nobel peace prize winner Fridtjof Nansen.
In 2019-2020, Hilde Falun Strom and Sunniva Sorby made history becoming the first women to overwinter solo on Svalbard and spending 9 months (August 2019 thru May 2020) at Spitsbergen Island's Bamsebu (1930-built trapper cabin), situated approx 140 km (87 mi) from Longyearbyen. With no running water and relying on wind and the sun for power, their Hearts in the Ice project sought an understanding of climate change. They were able to connect with ~100.000 youth globally via satellite video calls related to climate change.
The christening of MS Fridtjof Nansen is due to take place in Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen), on September 14, and will be live-streamed in the line’s digital channels.