GabyThe 130-year-old Norwegian company Hurtigruten is currently developing what may be the most energy-efficient. cruise ship in the world: with retractable 50-meter sails that are covered solar panels , as well as with battery packs and “smart” cabins. The liner will also be powered by wind energy. Thus, a zero-emission vessel has emerged on the horizon of the global cruise industry.
Hedda Felin, the CEO of Hurtigruten, noted: “To sail for another 130 years, we need to change the way we sail.”
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Although many are attracted by the idea of a luxurious vacation ships In open waters, cruises have never really been environmentally friendly. But with the arrival of a new electric liner, the situation will change dramatically.
The ship that the company promises to launch in 2030 will be 135 meters long. It will have 270 cabins, accommodating 500 passengers and 99 crew members. The vessel will also transport cargo.
To work on the concept, Hurtigruten partnered with the research organization SINTEF. Researchers’ calculations showed that the design would consume approximately 40-50 percent less energy than modern ships, allowing for the use of battery packs as the primary energy source. Their capacity is 60 megawatts. The batteries will be charged in port.
Meanwhile, three retractable sails will be covered with solar panels, with a total area of 1500 square meters. This energy will charge the batteries while at sea, the publication reported. Daily Mail .
The sails will also capture wind energy, which will be used to propel the vessel forward (just like on a traditional sailboat).
An interesting detail: passengers will be able to control. energy consumption in their salon using an app on their mobile phone.
“Currently, we are modernizing our fleet, reducing CO2 emissions by 25 percent. But for our precious nature and for future generations, we need to do more,” said Ms. Felin. “The cruise industry is a significant source of pollution, so it is very important that we take serious steps to reduce emissions,” she added. The company plans to soon transition all of its ships to clean energy.
Indeed, the very nature of Norway aids these transformations: in summer, the sun shines here for 24 hours a day.
