Having previously announced plans to build its first zero emission ship by 2030, Hurtigruten Norway has now secured leading tech partnerships and applied for funds to embark on a research project to develop its groundbreaking zero-emission ships.
Building on almost 130 years of Norwegian pioneering heritage, earlier this year Hurtigruten Norway launched the aptly named Sea Zero project to develop ships with zero emissions by 2030 for its Coastal Express offering– its most ambitious sustainability initiative to date.
Successfully securing support from industry-leading partners and appropriate resources was always a vital next step towards fulfilling this ground-breaking endeavour – and one in which the company is already making significant headway.
In collaboration with one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations, SINTEF, along with a number of other partners, the first funding application for the next phase of the project has now been submitted. Highlighting the importance of securing additional funds, Hurtigruten Norway CEO, Hedda Felin says, “Being first movers in the industry has its challenges, especially in relation to costs, as only 0.1% of all vessels globally currently have zero emissions technology.”
She adds, “The cost of going first is always higher than copying others a few years later. However, our environment is running out of time, and Hurtigruten Norway and our partners want to do our part and lead the way on zero emissions. Progress towards sustainability in the cruise industry has been too slow, simply put. Consumers will not continue to accept the use of heavy fuel oil or climate targets that are way behind the Paris Accord. Zero emission ships are the game-changer the cruise industry needs”.
Hurtigruten Asia Pacific Managing Director, Damian Perry, is also excited that the Sea Zero project is now gaining momentum. “Hurtigruten has long been an industry leader in terms of our focus on innovative sustainable solutions. We were the first cruise company to actively and genuinely remove single use plastic from our ships and operations. We were the first to remove heavy fuel oil well over a decade ago, and we have built science and research into all sailings supported by acclaimed educational and research institutions worldwide.
Says Perry, “The Sea Zero initiative elevates this commitment to a whole new level, and it’s years ahead of the market. But we really can’t afford to be complacent. It is definitely time for robust engagement right across the industry and to accept the challenge that travellers are calling out for us to address as we know that preserving tomorrow is critical today.”
Researching energy efficient ships
In August 2022, a feasibility study exploring a range of potential technology and fuel options for the new ships was completed, which will see a range of innovative and new technologies tested, alongside an investigation of the applicability of modern batteries, for more environmentally friendly Hurtigruten ships. As just under 15% of today’s global energy today is renewable, and energy is becoming an even more scarce resource, energy efficiency will also be a key focus of the Sea Zero project.
Commenting on the project, SINTEF Ocean’s Marketing Manager, Trond Johnsen notes, “many people talk about which fuel and propulsion systems you choose. But for us it is equally important to create a ship that uses as little energy as possible and thus has a good range on green electricity. We will therefore have a strong focus on testing a wide range of new technology from rotor sails, air bubble lubrication, to heating pumps and storage for the passenger hotel”.
Utlising leading maritime expertise
Another key objective of the Sea Zero project is to bring industry-leading partners on board and become a driver for green technology and business development, as is the development of port infrastructure for the charging of larger vessels. A number of partners have already signed up to the project, which it is hoped will pioneer new solutions for the industry.
This includes leading shipbuilder, VARD. Says Håvard Lien Vollset, Vice President Research & Innovation, “We’re proud to be a part of the Sea Zero project and to support Hurtigruten and the project team in the search for the optimal zero emission coastal cruise ship. We will build upon recent years’ experience in designing and building state-of-the-art expedition cruise ships for the most demanding conditions. In this project our focus will be on the environmental aspects, minimising the overall impact of sustainable coastal cruising – an important mission we are highly motivated to pursue, and a natural building block in our ZeroClass portfolio”.
