Hurtigruten renames “Otto Sverdrup” back to “Finnmarken”

Hurtigruten sets symbolic rebranding for April 2025

The Norwegian shipping company Hurtigruten Norge is reintroducing a familiar name to its fleet: the expedition vessel MS Otto Sverdrup will be renamed MS Finnmarken in April 2025. The change marks a return to one of the most iconic names in the company's long maritime tradition.

On April 11, 2025, the ship is scheduled to make its final port call as “Otto Sverdrup” in Hamburg before heading into a scheduled drydock stay. During this time, technical adjustments and the official name change will be completed.

Starting April 14, 2025, the vessel will appear in all booking and reservation systems under its new (and original) name: MS Finnmarken. The first departure under the revived name is set for May 16, 2025, on the popular North Cape route from Hamburg.

Honouring heritage and identity

The name Finnmarken was first used by Hurtigruten in 1912 and has since become deeply connected with the brand. The current vessel was originally built in 2002 as MS Finnmarken and carried that name until it was repurposed for expedition cruising in 2020 and renamed MS Otto Sverdrup, in honour of the famed Norwegian polar explorer.

With this latest renaming, Hurtigruten underscores its commitment to Norwegian heritage, historical continuity and brand recognition.

The return of the MS Finnmarken is more than just a name change – it represents a strategic step back to the roots of traditional coastal cruising in Norway. For travellers, this means a familiar name, a beloved route, and a trusted ship ready to write a new chapter in its storied journey.

More on Hurtigruten.

Header: © Hurtigruten Marko Stampehl