Historic christening in Hammerfest
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, served as the godmother for the coastal route ship Havila Polaris during its christening in Hammerfest on 15 October 2024.
First coastal route ship christened in Finnmark
Tuesday, October 15, 2024, marked a historic day for the coastal route, as Ola Johannessen, a local history enthusiast and employee at Hammerfest Port, pointed out that it was the first time a ship on the Bergen – Kirkenes route had been christened in Finnmark.
The christening ceremony took place at the new city pier in Hammerfest. Local resident, former mayor, and current Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, was the godmother, and christened the ship by pouring fresh water from Geiranger on its side.
"We opted for a more environmentally friendly christening ceremony, forgoing the traditional champagne bottle smashing. This aligns with our sustainability efforts, and the wooden scoop used to pour the water symbolizes the importance of preserving nature and our resources," said Martini.
"I believe it was a dignified and beautiful ceremony, and we are thrilled that all four of our coastal route ships have now been christened."
Humbled and proud
Marianne Sivertsen Næss expressed her delight at being chosen as the godmother for Havila Polaris.
"I am both humbled and proud to have the honor of being the godmother for a ship that showcases the best of our technology and design, and which will operate on the world’s most important and beautiful coastal route. And most especially, to be able to do this in my hometown," said Sivertsen Næss.
"For 130 years, the Bergen – Kirkenes route has been a lifeline for the coast. It has become a key part of our cultural heritage, and a journey through a World Heritage site—when the coastal route ships call at Geiranger."
Sivertsen Næss also emphasized the significance of green solutions for the future of the coastal route.
"For the coastal route to remain a lifeline for the coast for the next 130 years, the ships must not only navigate safely across the seas and to all ports, but also lead the way toward green solutions that the future depends on. This ship does exactly that," she said.
"That’s why I’m so proud to be the godmother for Havila Polaris, a ship developed with a focus on climate, environment, and sustainability. It’s also inspiring to see that Havila Voyages has paid attention to every detail, prioritizing local, regional, and national value creation through the use of local ingredients and efforts to reduce food waste."
A look back in photos
From above, we see Havila Polaris majestically docked on its christening day. Photo: Chris-Håvard Berge/Oclin.
Godmother Marianne Sivertsen Næss steps forward to welcome Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Kystruten, and Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer, Lasse Vangstein.
Bent Martini and Per Sævik share broad smiles on this historic day—the final christening of the first four ships for Havila Voyages.
Enthusiastic guests wave Norwegian flags, ready to celebrate Havila Polaris on its christening day.
The pier is filled with guests as the Sævik family descends the gangway. Per Sævik, along with his wife Liv, son Njål Sævik, and daughter Hege Sævik Rabben, are greeted by a festive crowd.
Excited tourists take the opportunity to snap a picture with Barents Santa and the Polar Bear—an iconic combination unique to Hammerfest.
Per Sævik makes sure to get a photo with Barents Santa.
Barents Santa in Hammerfest.
The smiling crew has been eagerly anticipating this day for a long time.
All eyes are on the podium as the christening ceremony is about to begin.
Lasse Vangstein opens the ceremony by highlighting the historic nature of the event—the first-ever christening of a coastal route ship in Finnmark! He then invites Bent Martini to the podium.
"The first voyage on the coastal route in 1893 sailed from Trondheim to Hammerfest, making it especially fitting to christen Havila Polaris here," said CEO Bent Martini. "Additionally, Finnmark and Hammerfest are still of great importance to the coastal route today, and we even have our crew office here."
The Sævik family and the godmother watch closely from the front row.
Bent Martini fills the ladle with fresh water from Geirangerfjord—a symbolic moment that ties the christening to Norway’s beautiful coastal nature.
Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, christens Havila Polaris in Hammerfest on October 15, 2024.
Bent Martini presents a beautiful bouquet of flowers to godmother Marianne Sivertsen Næss.
Godmother Marianne Sivertsen Næss stands alongside (from left) First Officer Johnny Jensen, Hotel Manager Judith Hydle, Captain Joakim Albrigtsen, and Chief Engineer Torleif Bjørknes.
Per Sævik stands with godmother Marianne Sivertsen Næss and Bent Martini in front of the newly christened Havila Polaris.
Members of the crew and administration from the Fosnavåg and Hammerfest office gather for a memorable group photo.
The Hammerfest Men’s Choir kicks off the christening lunch with powerful seafaring songs, resonating through the ship from deck 5.
Lasse Vangstein welcomes the guests and hands over the microphone to Per Sævik to continue the ceremony.
A touched Per Sævik addresses the audience.
The christening lunch featured a wide selection of finger foods.
Deputy Mayor Jan Tore Kvalnes expressed pride that Hammerfest had the honor of hosting the christening of Havila Polaris.
Bent Martini showcases the newly printed photo of godmother Marianne Sivertsen Næss and presents her with a 5000 NOK gift card to donate to an organization of her choice.
Marianne Sivertsen Næss announces that the gift card will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Association.
Singer and former The Voice contestant Tara Bloch from Hammerfest entertained the christening guests.
Liv Sævik, Njål Sævik, and Captain Joakim Albrigtsen sit together at the table during the christening lunch.
Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer Lasse Vangstein interviews Captain Joakim Albrigtsen.
Deputy Mayor Jan Tore Kvalnes presents a gift to the ship.
The ship receives several thoughtful gifts.
The Harbor Master of Hammerfest presents a plaque featuring the city’s coat of arms to Captain Joakim Albrigtsen.
Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Kystruten.
After the christening ceremony, godmother Marianne Sivertsen Næss was given a tour of the bridge, where she got a closer look at the ship’s advanced technology.
Captain Joakim Albrigtsen.
As part of the tour, the godmother had the honor of blowing the ship’s horn, much to the delight of both guests and crew.
She was also given a guided tour of the ship’s technical rooms.
FPhoto: Chris-Håvard Berge/Oclin.