Hurtigruten Norway, operator of Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express and corporate cousin to Hurtigruten Expeditions, has unveiled a concept design and plan for a zero-emission cruise ship for 2030. Hurtigruten is collaborating with a dozen maritime partners seeking emission-free marine travel. The project is part of the brand’s “Sea Zero” initiative, which it first announced in March 2022.
"When we initially announced the ‘Sea Zero‘ project, we were faced with the challenge of not knowing which technologies would be available to us in 2030,” said Hedda Felin, the CEO of Hurtigruten Norway. “Our task was to pave the way for new innovations and enhance existing ones to align with our sustainability objectives. While some of these technologies have reached a relatively advanced stage, they still necessitate dedicated research and development to ensure successful implementation within the maritime context.”
We are committed to delivering a ship that surpasses all others in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.
She adds that certain technologies remain in early development and require further research and testing. However, after following a feasibility study, some promising solutions for future cruise ships have been identified, and surely bolster anticipation and enthusiasm around the project.
“We are committed to delivering a ship that surpasses all others in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability within just a few years,” Felin said.
What Goes Into Producing a Zero-Emission Ship?
Currently, 0.1% of ships worldwide employ zero-emission tech. Hurtigruten’s goal is to not only introduce a zero-emission ship by 2030, but to transform its entire fleet, making all vessels zero-emission and improving the cruise industry’s overall sustainability record in the process.
Ships will be electric, and to that end, a combination of 60-megawatt batteries and wind technology will be utilized, and retractable sails will have built-in solar panels. Artificial intelligence (AI) will help maneuver the vessel, as will contra-rotating propellers and multiple retractable thrusters. Air lubrication, advanced hull coating and proactive hull cleaning will further streamline propulsion.
The navigation bridge will be altered, making it smaller and closer in size to an airplane cockpit, and AI will gather data from the line’s 34 coastal Norwegian ports to maximize docking efficiency and improve in-port operations during challenging weather conditions.
Adding to the concept’s already sleek design will be displayed battery levels, visible on the vessel’s sides. The ship shape itself will contribute to reduced air resistance and energy use, as well as passenger comfort. Onboard features will include expansive outdoor spaces and enlarged surface areas full of scenic windows.
As modeled and rendered, the concept ship measures 443 feet long, complete with 270 cabins for a passenger capacity of 500 and a crew count of 99.
Guests can further minimize their footprint by using an interactive mobile app that will control and help optimize cabin ventilation, and measure personal water and energy consumption.
Checking in on Hurtigruten’s Sustainability Progress So Far
The initiative is moving into a two-year phase now, during which proposed technologies will be tried, tested and developed. This phase will focus on battery production, propulsion, hull design and other sustainable practices.
It will be crucial to the initiative to reduce the consumption of hotel operations, which alone can deplete up to 50% of a ship’s total energy use. The goal is to reduce that segment of Hurtigruten Norway’s current fleet by half.
Two of the line’s seven ships have already been upgraded to battery-hybrid power, and a third will be enhanced this fall. The other five ships are also being outfitted with solutions that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25% and nitrogen oxides by 80%. In addition, the Hurtigruten Expeditions brand of seven ships is operating three battery-hybrid vessels.
