Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten has unveiled updated plans for its Sea Zero project, aiming to launch a zero-emission cruise ship by 2030. Currently in the research and development stage, this ship seeks to revolutionize the cruising industry by operating emission-free and reducing energy consumption by 40-50%.
Announced in October 2022, the project has made significant strides. New renderings, developed with Norwegian maritime partners, highlight advanced features designed to minimize environmental impact. CEO Hedda Felin emphasized the industry’s need to reduce emissions, setting a goal for an emission-free ship by around 2030.
Key design features include large batteries with a 60 megawatt-hour capacity and contra-rotating propellers for propulsion. The ship will also feature retractable sails, potentially reducing energy use by 10 per cent, and solar panels, contributing an additional 2-3 per cent in savings. These sails, developed by OceanWings, are already used on the cargo ship Canopée.
Hurtigruten’s Chief Operating Officer, Gerry Larsson-Fedde, noted that the retractable sails with solar panels could provide significant energy savings, though thorough studies and model tests are still required. The hull will utilize air lubrication technology for 5-10% energy savings. Additionally, ‘smart cabins’ will allow guests to monitor and control their energy usage, promoting awareness and conservation.
