Sea Zero
Hurtigruten’s Sea Zero project shows that an emission-free coastal cruise ship is possible.
Inspired by possibility
Hurtigruten’s groundbreaking Sea Zero project demonstrates that, by using sails, batteries, contra-rotating propellers, and a range of other innovations, it is possible to build a ship that can operate with zero emissions under normal conditions.
In spring 2026, the research and development phase of the project was completed. The conclusion is that it is possible to design a vessel capable of operating the route between Bergen and Kirkenes with zero emissions during normal service, using batteries as its primary energy source.
Our vision
“Sea Zero shows that emission-free operation of larger passenger ships is no longer just a vision but a realistic goal.
"The knowledge and solutions developed through the project can contribute to the transformation of the entire maritime industry.”
- Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten
Advancing hybrid electric technology
Advancing hybrid technology
Sea Zero is a consortium led by Hurtigruten and SINTEF, with participation from several leading companies and organizations in Norway’s maritime sector.
The extensive research and development project has been underway since 2022 and has been partially funded through the Norwegian government’s Green Platform initiative.
Reduced energy demand
Scientific solutions
The project’s primary objective is to cut the ship’s energy consumption in half. The final report now shows that energy use can be reduced by around 40-50% through a range of innovative onboard solutions.
“I don’t think there’s any ship we’ve been involved with that has been analyzed this thoroughly. And the results show a dramatic improvement in energy efficiency of around 44%. We were actually surprised that the design performed even better in model tests than we had estimated beforehand,”
- Trond Andreas Vikan Johnsen, project manager, SINTEF Ocean
Two large retractable sails, contra-rotating propellers, a modern hull design, air lubrication, frequent hull cleaning using a robotic system, and more efficient heating and ventilation systems all contribute to lowering the vessel’s energy requirements.
Advanced testing
Over the past several years, advanced testing has been carried out in SINTEF’s laboratories in Trondheim. The results show that the sails, contra-rotating propellers, and hull design all significantly reduce energy consumption in practice.
The simulations were conducted both digitally and using an eight-metre model tested in ocean basins and towing tanks at SINTEF Ocean. In addition, the performance of the propellers and the air lubrication system was carefully examined in a cavitation tunnel.
Challenges remain
The project has selected 73 MWh of battery capacity as the ship’s primary energy source. This means that charging infrastructure along the coast will be essential to eliminate emissions during normal operation.
“It is possible to charge quickly enough in ports and have batteries large enough to sail the entire Bergen–Kirkenes route without emissions. However, this will require access to electricity in selected ports, and charging infrastructure is the biggest challenge to actually putting such a ship into operation.”
- Hurtigruten COO Gerry Larsson-Fedde
The Sea Zero vessel was designed by Vard Design in Ålesund. The latest illustrations are the fourth iteration of the design and show how it has evolved throughout the research and development process.
The ship will be 143.5 metres long and accommodate approximately 500 berths. It will be five metres longer than MS Finnmarken, currently the longest ship in Hurtigruten’s fleet.
Sea Zero facts
Goal: Build the world’s most energy-efficient ship.
Uses Brunvoll contra-rotating propellers for propulsion, with pods for manoeuvring. By using two propellers that rotate in opposite directions, the ship requires less energy to move forward.
Equipped with two large sails fitted with solar panels. The sails can be raised or lowered as needed, for example when passing under bridges.
Features an air lubrication system, where small air bubbles are pumped beneath the hull to reduce water resistance.
Includes energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
Uses smart cabins to better monitor and manage energy consumption. Calculations indicate potential energy savings of 40–50% compared with today’s ships.
Planned with 73 MWh of battery capacity. The batteries provide sufficient range to recharge at selected ports along the route, although the specific ports have not yet been determined.
Sea Zero is a research and development project in which Hurtigruten collaborates with partners including SINTEF, Cavotec SA, Vard Design, DNV, Brunvoll, Plug, Corvus Energy, Teknotherm, Sustainable Energy Catapult, Jotun, the Norwegian Maritime Authority, Norwegian Ports, and the Port of Bergen.