Hurtigruten Norway, an adventure cruise company, has revealed plans for a revolutionary zero-emissions electric cruise ship, featuring retractable solar panel-covered sails. The ambitious “Sea Zero” project aims to set sail in 2030 and inspire the maritime industry to adopt sustainable practices.
The company first announced the project in March 2022 and has since collaborated with 12 maritime partners and Norway-based research institute SINTEF to develop emission-free marine travel solutions. The cutting-edge design centers on a 60-megawatt battery system, capable of charging in port using clean energy from Norway’s renewable-dominated electricity grid.
Gerry Larsson-Fedde, SVP of marine operations for Hurtigruten Norway, estimates that the battery will yield a range of 300 to 350 nautical miles. Over an 11-day round trip, a ship would need to recharge seven or eight times. To minimize battery dependence, the ship will feature three retractable 50-meter-high sails, or wings, that can independently adjust their angles to optimize wind usage. The sails will also incorporate 1,500 square meters of solar panels, generating supplementary energy to charge the batteries while sailing.
Designed to house 500 guests and 99 crew members, the ship will showcase a streamlined shape for reduced air resistance and lower energy consumption. Onboard, passengers will be encouraged to minimize their climate impact through a mobile app monitoring their personal water and energy use.
Although the shipping industry, responsible for approximately 3% of global manmade greenhouse gas emissions, has seen a surge in eco-friendly vessel designs, most of these ships continue to rely on fossil fuel-powered engines. In contrast, Hurtigruten Norway’s design will employ a backup engine running on green fuels such as ammonia, methanol, or biofuel.
Hurtigruten Norway has been a pioneer in sustainable shipping practices, launching the world’s first hybrid, battery-supported cruise ship in 2019 and working to convert its entire expedition fleet to hybrid battery power. CEO Hedda Felin believes the industry is “far too slow and not ambitious enough” in embracing sustainability.
Over the next two years, Hurtigruten Norway will test the proposed technologies, with plans to finalize the design by 2026 and commence shipyard production in 2027. The first zero-emission vessel is anticipated to enter Norwegian waters in 2030, paving the way for a gradual transformation of the entire fleet.
