Sea Zero

Channelling the same pioneering spirit as on our first voyage in 1893, we are embarking on a journey to build our first Coastal Express ship with zero-emission propulsion – the most ambitious sustainability initiative in our 133-year history.​

To reach “Sea Zero”, we are partnering with science-institute SINTEF to explore exciting, state-of-the-art solutions in the fields of energy efficiency and battery electric power.​

For our journey to zero-emission ships, SINTEF collaborated with us on a feasibility study in summer 2022. It showed that to achieve Sea Zero for The Coastal Express, our new ships need to reach new standards in energy efficiency and use primarily sustainably produced electrical energy, combined with small volumes of climate-neutral back-up fuel.​

The testing of Hurtigruten's next-generation Sea Zero vessel happened at SINTEF Ocean in Trondheim in 2025. Advanced simulations and model testing are assessing energy-saving technologies such as large sails, contra-rotating propellers, air lubrication and an optimised hull design. Early results indicate that the project's goal – reducing energy use by 40–50 percent and enabling zero-emission operation – is achievable. The Sea Zero research and development program, designed with Vard and multiple industry partners, continues to progress.

Feasibility factors

The study first analysed the following factors of our ships:  

• Passenger safety 

• Energy-use heat map 

• Cargo and crew 

• Operational schedule 

• Ship manoeuvrability 

• Wave and wind statistics 

Examining the challenges

The study also outlined how sailing emission-free along the coast presents unique challenges that require pioneering solutions. Any innovations must still:

• Put safety first

• Ensure regularity of our service to all 34 ports

• Overcome design limitations for docking at small ports

• Establish infrastructure for electric power and climate-neutral fuels from sustainable sources

Electric evolution

The feasibility study found three reasons why and how our future ships will be fully electric vessels in normal operations, equipped with batteries that are charged with renewable energy when in port.

1. A power train with batteries, cables, and electric propulsion motors utilises 90% of the available energy, compared to just 45-50% in a conventional diesel engine

2. Norwegian electricity from hydropower has a CO2 footprint of around 10 g/kWh compared to the European average of 230 and the global average of 475 g/kWh

3. The consistency and reliability of our route for decades means it is possible to facilitate in-dock charging for our ships at around half of the ports along our route

Beyond zero greenhouse gas emissions, all solutions must be as sustainable as possible in every respect, including emissions to sea.

Energy efficiency

As only 1/7 of the global energy today is renewable, and energy is becoming an even more scarce resource, energy efficiency will be a pillar in our Sea Zero project. SINTEF’s scientists and engineers will examine all the systems and equipment in the new ship design to make sure each uses the lowest possible energy.

The feasibility study identified nearly 50 areas and innovations that will significantly reduce energy consumption across aspects such as:

• Hydrodynamics

• Aerodynamics

• Propulsion

• Machinery

• Insulation

• Ventilation

• Heat exchange

The technologies SINTEF identified as promising in the feasibility study will now be explored further with our industry partners. Together, we will find out the positive effects each measure will have to our shared goal of Sea Zero.