Zero-Emissions Electric Cruise Ship Will Set Out To Sea With Giant Solar Sails

Those hopping on a Hurtigruten Norway cruise in 2030 could find themselves traveling on a zero-emissions electric ship, fully equipped with gargantuan retractable sails fitted with an array of solar panels.

At the moment, according to CNN, the modest liner only has a fleet of eight ships that travel along the Norwegian coastline from Oslo to the Arctic Circle. Nonetheless, CEO Hedda Felin hopes this exciting innovation—dubbed ‘Sea Zero’—will end up inspiring “the entire maritime industry.”

The unique-looking vessel, which is still being developed by the company along with 12 maritime partners and research institute SINTEF, will likely run on 60-megawatt batteries. The energy supply can be recharged in port using renewable energy since 98% of Norway’s grid uses clean power.

These batteries are estimated to be able to travel between 300 to 350 nautical miles, which would mean that if the ship embarks on an 11-day round trip, it will have to be docked and recharged seven or eight times.

In addition to the electric power supply, the Sea Zero will boast giant retractable sails that will rise out of the deck to a maximum height of 50 meters (164 feet). Impressively, each of them can be adjusted independently of the other, such as to be lowered to pass under bridges or having the angle changed to catch more wind.

More noticeably, these sails will be fitted with 1,500 square meters (16,146 square feet) of solar panels that will help recharge the ship’s batteries while it's cruising on the waters. Passengers will be able to peek at the current battery level of the vessel by peeking at its side.

Within its spacious interior, the cruise will house 270 cabins to accommodate 500 guests and 99 crew members. On board, guests can help reduce carbon emissions by monitoring their water and energy consumption through an interactive mobile application.

Of course, other high-tech features will have their place on the ship, including the likes of artificial intelligence maneuvering, contra-rotating propellers, retractable thrusters, air lubrication, advanced hull coating, and proactive hull cleaning technologies.

“Following a rigorous feasibility study, we have pinpointed the most promising technologies for our groundbreaking future cruise ships. We are committed to delivering a ship that surpasses all others in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability within just a few years,” said Felin. 

[via CNN and Electrive, images via Hurtigruten Norway]