Ahead of its 130th anniversary, Hurtigruten has revealed plans for its first zero-emission ship, marking a significant milestone in the cruise industry’s sustainability endeavors.

Designed in collaboration with a consortium of 12 maritime partners and the research institute SINTEF, this groundbreaking project, initially announced under the name ‘Sea Zero,’ introduces the concept of the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship.

The Vision Behind the Project

Hurtigruten Norway has released plans for its inaugural zero-emission ship. The initiative was first announced under the project name ‘Sea Zero’ in March 2022 and presents early concept designs for what could potentially be the world’s most energy-efficient cruise vessel.

The CEO of Hurtigruten Norway, Hedda Felin, reflected on the ambitious vision of the ‘Sea Zero’ project.

“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. Our task was to pave the way for new innovations and enhance existing ones to align with our sustainability objectives,” according to Felin.

“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. On the other hand, certain technologies are still in early development and require fundamental research and thorough testing,” Felin added.

Felin’s statement also mentioned the challenges faced by the consortium, with technologies at different levels of development and various hurdles to overcome before they can be implemented.

Hurtigruten aims to transform its entire fleet into zero-emission vessels by 2030, a monumental step in a world where only 0.1% of ships use zero-emission technology.

As companies strive for sustainability, the ‘Sea Zero’ initiative might serve as a blueprint for future eco-friendly cruise ship design advancements. While it is unlikely that cruise ships will ever be fully electric, further designing the technologies could lead engineers to find better, more sustainable options than what is available today.

Revolutionizing Cruise Ship Design

Hurtigruten Norway’s forthcoming ships plan to combine 60-megawatt battery packs with wind technology. They will showcase numerous innovative features, such as retractable sails with solar panels, artificial intelligence maneuvering, and contra-rotating propellers. Other unique additions include advanced hull coating, air lubrication, and proactive hull cleaning.

The futuristic vessels, equipped with batteries that charge in port, will harness A.I. to collect data for efficient docking and undocking methods for each port of call, optimizing operations under challenging weather conditions. The ships will also feature autonomous wing rigs comprised of solar panels and wind surface, helping further reduce their carbon footprint.

The Research and Innovation Manager at VARD, Henrik Burvang, responsible for the concept visuals, spoke about the innovative design. 

“The streamlined shape, with its innovative hull and propulsion solutions, not only reduces energy demand but also increases passenger comfort. In the process, we are developing new design tools and exploring new technologies for energy efficiency,” he said.

The Guest Experience

Beyond technological advancements, the ships will focus on providing an unmatched experience for their guests. The first zero-emission ship is designed with a streamlined shape for less air resistance, reducing energy use and enhancing comfort. 

The design features ample outdoor spaces and large window areas, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views of what is often described as ‘the world’s most beautiful coastline.’

The prototype ship, modeled at 135 meters (443 feet) long, is designed to accommodate 500 guests and 99 crew members in 270 cabins. 

The Sea Zero project has entered a two-year phase of testing and developing the proposed technologies. It’s focused on achieving a 50% energy reduction compared to Hurtigruten Norway’s current ships. This involves optimizing energy use for onboard hotel operations, which consume up to half of a ship’s total energy.

The company is also engaging in one of the most comprehensive environmental upgrades with its existing fleet. It has already upgraded two out of seven ships to battery-hybrid power, with a third one scheduled for an upgrade later this year. The remaining vessels have technologies to reduce CO² emissions by 25% and NOx (nitrogen oxides) by 80%.

The unveiling of the first zero-emissions cruise ship comes on the heels of the first-ever zero-emission voyage by MSC Euribia, culminating in Copenhagen today, June 7. 

Cruise industry watchers know that the vacation-at-sea option is in comeback mode, big time, as pandemic fears have all but dissipated and travelers are eagerly resuming their global explorations.

On June 6, a leading travel protection company revealed results of a new survey that show what is motivating today’s cruisers, and chief among them is a preference for sailing on smaller ships.

Results Indicate Vessel, Destination Choices

The results of a new survey by Global Rescue, a firm providing medical, security, evacuation, and other travel protection services, offer some surprising insights into what makes today’s cruisers tick, including what kinds of ships they prefer and where they are most interested in going.

According to the Global Rescue Spring 2023 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, fully half of respondents who plan to cruise this year will embark on smaller ships that accommodate less than 800 guests. That compares to 11% who will sail on cruise ship with more than 3,500 guests.

The survey found that 17% of respondents prefer ships that carry between 800 and 1,499 guests; 20% favor ships with capacity for between 1,500 and 2,500 guests, and the same percentage chose larger ships that accommodate between 2,500 and 3,500 guests.

“Smaller cruise ships are easier to maneuver and have greater port access compared to mega-cruise ships. The smaller capacity ships open up river cruising, visiting tucked-away harbors, exotic locales, pristine beaches and remote places or ports where larger ships can’t reach,” said Michael Holmes, vice president of marketing for Global Rescue.

The survey questions also delved into the kinds of destinations this year’s cruisers are most interested in visiting. Tropical cruise destinations are preferred by 21% of respondents, followed by glaciers at 14%, and fjord cruising at 12%. The survey found other leading destinations this year, including river, transocean, fall foliage, and Panama Canal voyages.

Forty-five percent of cruisers who participated in the survey, all of whom are current or former members of Global Rescue (the company operates on a membership basis), also indicated that, even with inflation and concerns of a possible recession, they are prepared to pay higher travel costs.

Continued Growth in Cruise Volume Expected

Overall, Global Rescue found that cruising has returned as a robust vacation options. In fact, the survey found that 40% of respondents have either taken a cruise since the pandemic started or will cruise in 2023. These indications mesh with other industry sources.

The 2023 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) State of the Cruise Industry Report predicts that cruise volume this year will exceed 2019 – the year before the pandemic hit. CLIA’s report states that 31.5 million travelers will cruise in 2023, compared to 29.7 million in 2019.

Furthermore, CLIA sees continued growth, predicting that 36 million will cruise next year, and in 2027 the number will jump to 39.5 million cruisers. The industry will respond to the growing numbers of cruises guests with a slew of new vessels; according to CLIA’s industry order book, 44 new ships will debut between 2023 and 2028.

A Predicted Comeback Year Materializes

The 2023 comeback has been documented by cruise lines, too, with many of the top lines reporting banner Wave Season bookings at the start of this year.

Luxury line Cunard this year reported its busiest Wave Season in the past decade, while Holland America Line set its highest weekly booking level ever recorded in January, when bookings jumped by 20% compared to the same time frame in 2019, for example. Both are Carnival Corporation brands.

In its first quarter earnings report last month, Royal Caribbean Group said its brands were operating above the historical levels it had reached pre-pandemic. The group owns Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and top luxury line Silversea Cruises.

Global Rescue surveyed 1,700 respondents in mid-April 2023.