Hurtigruten Norway aims to launch zero-emission cruise ship by 2030

Cruise company Hurtigruten Norway is working with Norwegian research institute SINTEF and other 12 industry partners to develop a battery-powered zero-emission coastal cruise ship.

PHOTO: Hurtigruten Norway and its industry partners will develop a zero-emission coastal cruise ship. Hurtigruten Norway

The project's research phase will run to 2025 and the battery-powered ship will then be built. Norwegian naval architect Vard will design the vessel.

The consortium intends to find a zero-emission way to power the cruise ship's onboard hotel and kitchen operations, which consume nearly half of the ship's energy. Heat generated from engine combustion is typically used for hotel and kitchen operations on conventional cruise ships. On a cruise ship that is powered by batteries, this heat source is not available, Vard said.

"Consumers will not continue to accept the use of heavy fuel oil or climate targets that are way behind the Paris Agreement. Zero-emission ships will be the game-changer our industry needs," Hurtigruten Norway’s marine operations senior vice president Larsson-Fedde said.

By Nithin Chandran

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online