Hurtigruten Norway unveils its first zero-emission and most energy-efficient cruise ship.Hurtigruten Norway on its 130th anniversary unveiled plans for its first zero-emission ship ‘Sea Zero,’ the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship.Hurtigruten said the ships will be smaller than usual at 135m long, with 270 cabins on board holding 500 guests and 99 crew.
Hurtigruten Norway presented the findings alongside its consortium of 12 maritime partners and research institute SINTEF, all joined in the pursuit of achieving emission-free marine travel. Tasked with developing energy-efficient and carbon-neutral technology solutions, the consortium shared key findings following its first year of research.
Hurtigruten Norway’s future ships will be electric and equipped with batteries that charge in port. Combining 60-megawatt hour battery solutions with wind technology, the vessel is expected to feature numerous firsts and improved solutions that do not exist on cruise ships today, including retractable sails with solar panels, artificial intelligence maneuvering, contra-rotating propellers, and multiple retractable thrusters.
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Additional technologies include air lubrication, advanced hull coating, and proactive hull cleaning.The three retractable, autonomous wing rigs will comprise 1500m² (16,146 ft²) of solar panels and a total wind surface of 750m² (8,073ft²), reaching a maximum height of 50m (164 ft) when fully extended.
Battery levels will be displayed on the ship’s external sides, while the bridge, where the Captain and crew steer the ship, is expected to reduce significantly in size following enhanced A.I. maneuvering, mimicking that of an airplane cockpit.
