Norwegian coastal cruise company Hurtigruten is setting a new standard with its groundbreaking “Sea Zero” project. This visionary initiative was announced in 2022, with the first renderings debuting in 2030, with the aim of creating a completely zero-emission cruise ship.
The necessity of launching the “Sea Zero” project
It is well known that cruise ships and the cruise industry are one of the largest contributors to global pollution, with a large carbon footprint, and air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and Marine pollution are an ongoing problem. The “Sea Zero” project is a huge step forward not only for Hurtigruten, but also for the cruise industry and the shipbuilding industry as a whole.
Nearly halving energy: a game changer
With the help of large batteries, retractable wing sails and other innovative solutions, this future cruise ship will be able to sail completely emissions-free during normal operation, while reducing energy consumption by 40-50%.
Hurtigruten’s commitment to sustainable development
Sea Zero is not Hurtigruten’s only sustainability project. The company is currently spending 100 million euros on upgrades to its existing fleet, including hybrid battery-powered vessels that reduce CO2 and nox emissions by 25 percent and 80 percent, respectively. Earlier this year, the cruise line also launched an initiative to eliminate food waste on board, a clear indication that Hurtigruten is taking a holistic approach to sustainable sailing.
