June 7 (UPI) — In the pursuit of emission-free marine travel, Hurtigruten Norway has disclosed further details about their groundbreaking initiative to develop the world’s first zero-emission cruise ship. The project, originally announced as “Sea Zero” in March 2022, was presented in collaboration with a consortium of 12 maritime partners and the research institute SINTEF.
“Hurtigruten Norway presented its findings alongside its consortium of 12 maritime partners and research institute SINTEF, all joined in the pursuit of achieving emission-free marine travel,” the company said in a press release Wednesday.
“When we initially announced the ‘Sea Zero’ project over a year ago, we were faced with the challenge of not knowing which technologies would be available to us in 2030,” stated Hedda Felin, the CEO of Hurtigruten. Following an extensive feasibility study, they have identified the most promising technologies for their future cruise ships, committed to delivering vessels that surpass all others in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability within a few years,” Felin added.
The global adoption of zero-emission technology in ships remains below 0.1%, and Hurtigruten Norway aims to establish itself as a key player in a more sustainable future.
The planned cruise ship will utilize a 60-megawatt hour battery system for electrical charging at ports, while also incorporating solar panels and retractable sails to enhance energy efficiency.
The company intends to use AI technology to decrease the crew size required to operate the vessel, as well as collect data to optimize the docking process.
“The streamlined shape, along with innovative hull and propulsion solutions, not only reduces energy demand but also enhances passenger comfort,” highlighted Henrik Burvang of VARD, the company responsible for designing preliminary visual models of the ship.
The cruise ship industry has faced mounting pressure to minimize its environmental impact. A 2021 study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin revealed that cruise ships significantly contribute to air, water, and soil pollution, with the carbon footprint of a large cruise ship surpassing that of 12,000 cars.
In recent years, U.S. cruise ships have gradually transitioned to cleaner-burning liquified natural gas.
Last year, Barcelona implemented a tax on cruise passengers to address the emission issues caused by ships docking in the bustling Spanish port city.
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