Norway's Hurtigruten is working on a zero-emission ship

10-06-23

Hurtigruten Norway plans to introduce its first zero-emission cruise ship in 2030, equipped with retractable sails, 60 megawatt-hours batteries and solar panels. 

The ship, modeled to hold 500 guests and 99 crew members, would also use artificial intelligence to maneuver, according to the line. 

The early concept plans are part of the Sea Zero project after a year of study with research institute SINTEF and a consortium of a dozen marine partners.

The feasibility study found that several technologies could be used for future cruise ships, such as making future ships electric and equipped with batteries that charge in port and use wind technology, such as retractable sails with solar panels. Contra-rotating propellers and multiple retractable thrusters are additional possibilities.

The cruise line plans to use AI to collect data that learn the most efficient docking and undocking methods at each of Hurtigruten Norway's 34 ports the line stops at daily.

Hurtigruten also plans to design the ship with a streamlined shape to reduce air resistance and reduce energy consumption.