From thruster overhaul to cabin refurbishment: Upgrading MS Midnatsol from the inside out

This spring, Hurtigruten‘s MS Midnatsol underwent a major technical and interior refurbishment during a 50-day yard stay at Orskov Yard.

In close collaboration with Hurtigruten and our trusted partner Norisol A/S, we refurbished 243 passenger cabins and redesigned several restaurants, lounge- and bar areas to enhance the onboard guest experience. The complex makeover was completed within the vessel’s tight docking schedule.

For Ronnie Gravgaard, Project Manager at Norisol, the project shows how early planning and strong collaboration make all the difference:

“A project like this starts long before the vessel arrives at the yard. Through close collaboration with Orskov Yard and Hurtigruten, we were able to prefabricate and coordinate the interior scope in advance, allowing installation work to progress throughout the yard stay”, he says.

At the same time, significant technical work was carried out, including the renewal of the propulsion shaft system, an extensive overhaul of the thrusters, gearboxes, and stabilizers, the installation of a new ballast water treatment system, and the renewal of steel and piping.

A project like this demonstrates how strong partnerships, careful planning, and integrated execution can successfully deliver complex vessel modernization projects on time. Moreover, it represents a significant investment in the vessel’s operational reliability, environmental compliance, passenger comfort, and long-term service life.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making this project a success.