Traveller Councillor Suzzana Pinder informed through her social media account that in early 2020, she was invited aboard Hurtigruten’s newest addition to their ‘next generation’ expedition fleet, M.S. Fridtjof Nansen.
She was given access to an areas tour of the forward-thinking ship, with hybrid-powered propulsion, GPS thrusters, state-of-the-art technology and strict rules about sustainability for minimal impact on the spectacular corners of the globe she visits.
Norwegian cruise operator Hurtigruten has unveiled a new design for a zero-emission ship that relies on wind and solar power, which is set to launch in 2030.
It is going to be a fully zero-emission ship for 2030. Hurtigruten was looking to build the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship; they are working alongside specialists to develop ideas such as retractable wind and solar sails, large battery banks, enhanced A.I. assisted manoeuvring, underwater air lubrication, hydrodynamic retractable thrusters and innovative cabins with real-time energy monitoring.
The three retractable wings comprise 1500 m² of solar panels with a wind surface of 750 m². When it’s windy, these three retractable sails (wings) will rise out of the deck, reaching a maximum height of 50 meters to reduce reliance on the battery. They can adjust independently, shrinking to pass under bridges or changing their angle to catch the most wind.
The electric vessel powered by 60-megawatt battery packs that can be charged in port with clean energy will likely become the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship.
As reported, the ship will have a length of 135 meters (443 feet), built-in with 270 cabins to accommodate 500 guests and 99 crews.
Sea Zero is in its initial stages of research, testing and development, according to Hurtigruten Norway, before finalizing the design in 2026 and beginning shipyard production in 2027.
Suzanna commented that she was slightly unsure of the sail design when she first saw it and suspected it might be a little marmite for some. Still, after learning more about Hurtigruten’s vision, she likes the design and is excited to see how their development unfolds.
