Hurtigruten Advances Its Zero-Emission Vision
Hurtigruten is making significant strides in its quest to build the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship under the “Sea Zero” project, with encouraging progress reported from recent model tests at SINTEF Ocean’s facilities in Trondheim, Norway. A 26-foot model ship was put through a rigorous series of tests, and the results have driven the release of an updated ship design that is longer, lower, and more stable than its predecessors. Among the innovative features incorporated into the design are two large retractable sails equipped with solar panels, which alone have been shown to reduce energy consumption by 10 to 15 percent.
The ambitious project brings together a diverse group of partners including SINTEF, Vard Design, DNV, Brunvoll, Plug, and Corvus Energy, all working collaboratively to test and refine various innovations. These include large battery packs, retractable sails, air lubrication systems, contra-rotating propellers, and an energy-optimized hull. Research manager Anders Alterskjær from SINTEF Ocean noted that the tests and subsequent analyses indicate that the reductions in energy demand are promising and could ultimately pave the way for zero-emission operation.
Gerry Larsson-Fedde, chief operating officer at Hurtigruten, emphasized the iterative nature of the design process. “We are learning a lot from these tests, and we now see that many of the ambitious goals in this project can also be implemented in practice,” he said, adding that each round of testing has allowed the team to make important design optimizations. The new design envisions a ship that stretches 470 feet (143.5 meters), which would make it Hurtigruten’s longest vessel to date.
The primary objective of the Sea Zero project is to achieve a reduction in energy usage of between 40 and 50 percent compared to current ships. When combined with battery systems charged by shore power, these improvements could enable the ship to operate without emissions under normal conditions along the Norwegian coast. Trond Johnsen, the project manager for Sea Zero, explained that with the targeted reduction in energy use, it is feasible to install a battery system with enough capacity to allow the vessel to travel between charging ports, even in typical weather conditions.
Hurtigruten’s ongoing efforts in this area not only mark a significant technological advancement but also signal a strong commitment to sustainability in the maritime industry. As the project continues to evolve, the company is optimistic that these innovative solutions will lead to practical, real-world applications that could transform cruise ship operations, making zero-emission sailing a realistic goal by 2030.
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