Several key Hurtigruten systems remain down after the cruise line was hit by an extensive cyberattack late on Sunday.

According to Hurtigruten, the attack appears to be a so-called ransomware virus, which has affected its website email communications.

The company has been cooperating with relevant Norwegian authorities and partners to obtain an overview of the situation and to limit the spread and damage of the attack.

Hurtigruten chief digital officer Ole-Marius Moe-Helgesen described the incident as “a serious attack” on the cruise line’s global IT infrastructure.

“We have implemented comprehensive measures to limit the extent of the damage from the attack,” he said in a statement.

“Our main priority now is to ensure safe operations for all guests and employees. We have allocated all available relevant resources to isolate the effects.”

Hurtigruten’s phone systems remain online, so travel agents wishing to contact the cruise line’s local office can call 1300 322 062 (Australia) or 0800 005 201 (New Zealand).

Hurtigruten said it will continue to share information about any new developments regarding the cyberattack.

MS Lofoten to leave Hurtigruten fleet

After nearly six decades servicing the Norwegian coast, MS Lofoten is slated to leave the Hurtigruten fleet.

From 2021, the Hurtigruten classic will become a training ship educating future generations of seafarers.

The cruise line has signed a letter of intent with Norway-based educational foundation Maritim videregående skole Sørlandet (Sørlandet’s Maritime High School) for the sale of MS Lofoten. The 151-bed ship is due to welcome her first students in August 2021.

Damian Perry, managing director of Hurtigruten for the Asia-Pacific region, said: “The MS Lofoten has been a part of everyday life along the Norwegian coast for generations, so it seems fitting that her legacy will continue with the next generation of seafarers.”

Hurtigruten heightens safety with new expert partnership

In other Hurtigruten news, the cruise line has engaged a CDC-experienced professor in medical microbiology to spearhead a comprehensive program that will ensure the safest possible post-pandemic restart.

The partnership with Professor Ørjan Olsvik, who has broad field experience in investigating and combatting outbreaks on cruise ships, will see Hurtigruten optimise its infection prevention and control systems.

Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam said: “We are very proud to reinforce our medical team through this collaboration with a world-leading authority in the field of infection control.

“The safety and wellbeing of guests and crews, and to all our partners and the public in the ports we visit, will always be our absolute main priority.”