Could an Electric Vessel Equipped with Solar Sails Revolutionize Cruising?

Overall, the cruise industry struggles with a poor sustainability reputation, contributing approximately 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, a new class of ships might usher in a new era of more eco-friendly sailing.

Hurtigruten, a cruise line based in Norway, initially revealed its intention to develop a fully electric passenger ship in early 2022. The company has now unveiled a prototype of the vessel along with additional operational details for its anticipated launch in 2030.

This innovative, zero-emission ship will feature 270 cabins accommodating up to 500 passengers and will be powered by electric batteries that recharge while docked. Gerry Larsson-Fedde, senior vice president of marine operations for Hurtigruten Norway, estimates a cruising range of 300 to 350 nautical miles (approximately 345 to 403 land miles). Additionally, it will incorporate retractable sails equipped with around 16,150 square feet of solar panels to reduce battery dependence in windy conditions. These advanced sails will be telescopic, enabling them to compress for bridge clearance, and adjustable to optimize wind capture.

The "Sea Zero" initiative is being developed in partnership with Norway’s Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF) and a team of experts focused on discovering the technological solutions necessary for emission-free sailing.

Some of the required technology is already in advanced development, while other components will require further research and testing. The team is currently engaged in a two-year R&D phase, focusing on enhancing the ship's aerodynamics and utilizing AI to analyze past voyages for more efficient navigation. However, Larsson-Fedde believes it's feasible for the company to begin construction of the vessel by 2027.

When the ship is launched, it will initially operate on the Norwegian Coastal Express route, traveling from Bergen in southern Norway to Kirkenes in the far north. This route has been served by Hurtigruten for over a century, providing numerous port accesses that facilitate the use of green energy infrastructure and existing shore power connections.

Ultimately, Hurtigruten aims to transition its entire fleet to electric power—two existing vessels, the 530-passenger Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, are already hybrid, operating partially on electric energy. However, advanced technology will be necessary for future ships to reach some of Hurtigruten’s most isolated destinations, including Antarctica and Svalbard.

Larsson-Fedde mentioned that the company is exploring ways to engage guests and educate them on contributing to a more sustainable vacation. One approach is to develop an app that provides real-time data on the energy usage of their staterooms.

"They’ll notice, ‘Oh, I’m consuming a lot of energy because my balcony door is open while the air conditioning is running,’ or ‘During my shower, I used a significant amount of water, impacting energy use,’" Larsson-Fedde explained. "We could even rank cabins based on their energy consumption, showing that 'Your cabin is number 72 in terms of least energy use.' This isn't about enforcing rules, but rather raising awareness of their actions and how it affects energy consumption, ultimately contributing to our industry's sustainability."

Hurtigruten has long been committed to enhancing sustainability within the cruising industry (which led Dinogo to recognize Hurtigruten’s CEO, Daniel Skjeldam, in its 2021 Travel Vanguard). In 2017, the cruise line teamed up with the Clean Arctic Alliance to initiate the HFO-Free Arctic Campaign, aiming to phase out heavy fuel oil in Arctic shipping. Its two hybrid electric-powered vessels were pioneers in the world. Furthermore, in 2018, the company banned all single-use plastics on board its ships.

"I hope the rest of the industry views this not as competition, but as an opportunity to develop their own sustainable technologies," Larsson-Fedde stated. "We all need to rise to the occasion. I believe that sustainable sailing will be essential for operating in the future, which is why it’s crucial to start making progress now."