Zero-Emission Ship to Launch in 2030 with Retractable Solar Sails

Norwegian cruise company, Hurtigruten, has revealed plans for Sea Zero, the world’s most energy-efficient zero-emission cruise ship. The ship is set to enter construction in 2027 and will launch in 2030 to coincide with the company’s 130th anniversary. Sea Zero will feature 60-watt batteries that will be charged with renewable energy, alongside wind and solar energy from retractable sails with solar panels, to charge the batteries while cruising. It will also feature artificial intelligence manoeuvring and multiple retractable thrusters. The ship will include 270 cabins to accommodate 500 guests, who will be invited to reduce their own energy consumption through an interactive app. Hurtigruten acknowledges it will also be crucial to develop new technologies for onboard hotel services. Sea Zero aims to tackle the pollution associated with traditional cruise ships, which utilise enormous amounts of fuel, generate a huge amount of waste, and disturb marine life. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), only 0.1% of the world’s ships use zero-emission technology, despite the fact that large cruise ships can have the carbon footprint of 12,000 cars.