The futuristic 164ft electric cruise ship that addresses one major problem

A futuristic new ship could be the solution for one major problem the is facing.

are notoriously terrible for the , in fact, the average cruise ship emits 250g of CO2 per passenger per kilometre traveled, more than double the of a short-haul flight.

Unlike airplanes, which transport passengers efficiently over long distances, cruise ships serve as floating cities.

Their onboard amenities, such as restaurants, pools, theatres and air conditioning, consume enormous amounts of energy, often powered by heavy fuel oil, one of the dirtiest fossil fuels available.

But, Hurtigruten, a Norwegian cruise operator, is hoping to propel the change. 

The company’s ambitious project, a 164-foot electric cruise ship, promises to redefine how we think about sustainable travel. 

Slated to set sail by 2030, the ship will feature cutting-edge battery and wind-powered technology designed to drastically reduce emissions. 

Dubbed “Sea Zero,” this innovation could be a game-changer in an industry notorious for its environmental impact.

Hurtigruten’s response to these challenges is a hybrid ship powered primarily by a 60-megawatt-hour battery, recharged at ports using electric power banks. 

The ship will also harness wind energy through three retractable, solar-panel-covered sails that stand 164 feet tall. 

These sails are projected to reduce energy consumption by 10% while contributing an additional 2-3% through solar power.

During Norwegian summers, when the sun shines for 24 hours, the sails and solar panels will provide significant power for onboard systems. 

However, these advancements come with limitations. Hurtigruten COO Gerry Larsson-Fedde acknowledges that the ship’s reliance on frequent port stops for battery recharging will require extensive infrastructure upgrades. 

Hurtigruten is collaborating with Norwegian Ports to expand shore power facilities, a critical step in making zero-emission cruising viable.

Hurtigruten isn’t alone in reimagining the future of cruising. 

French-owned Ponant is also developing hybrid ships combining sails and batteries, with plans to launch by 2030. 

These vessels aim to use wind power for up to 50% of their propulsion energy while relying on advanced energy management systems to minimize generator use.

Despite these efforts, the cruise industry as a whole has a long way to go. 

The Cruise Lines International Association as set a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, but achieving this will require more than just innovations on cruises.