An energy-efficient ship

Together with a consortium of 12 maritime partners and research institute SINTEF, we are proud to present concept designs of our first ship with zero-emissions in normal operations.

Our CEO, Hedda Felin, says: “Sea Zero shows that emission-free operation of larger passenger ships is no longer just a vision but a realistic goal.”

Following a rigorous feasibility study and research and development phase, we are moving forward with the most promising technologies, enhancing existing ideas, and paving the way for new ones.

Here are a few of the ground-breaking innovations that have been looked at and tested so far in the project.

Two retractablewing-rigs will be able to contribute added propulsion. These sails can also be covered in solar panels for a total surface area of over 16,000 sq ft.

Come summer, our ship can be superpowered by northern Norway’s Midnight Sun that shines for 24 hours a day in summer.

Renewable energy from ports where the ship plugs in to charge is safely stored in the ship’s 73MWh-strong battery system.

At the same time, we are making sure that any batteries we use consist of chemistries that are free from cobalt and that keep nickel to a minimum.

With the ship equipped with dozens of exterior sensors and cameras, and manoeuvring aided by the onboard AI, the size of the bridge can be slimmed down, having a setup like an airplane cockpit.

Not only does this mean a more aerodynamic hull at the bow of the ship, but it also means we can give our guests more living space and viewing areas on the upper decks.

By using two propellers that rotate in opposite directions, the ship can use less energy to move forward. SINTEF has designed and manufactured new measuring equipment for model testing of contra-rotating propellers.

The rigorous tests show that efficiency increases when the energy lost from the front propeller at the same time as the rear propeller gets better water flow, meaning significant savings of energy.

Two additional thrusters at the stern of the ship and tunnel thrusters at the bow will make sure that the ship is manoeuvrable in and out of port.

To reduce underwater drag, we are further developing solutions that will allow the ship to ‘surf’ on a carpet of air bubbles.

These streams of air would project out from the ship’s hull, helping to reduce water resistance.

Heating and cooling throughout the ship will be taken care of by intelligent heat exchange pumps and a network of insulated distribution systems.

These data-driven systems will enable our guests to monitor and control energy use in their individual cabin through an app on their phone.

It’s not just our iconic black, red, and white livery that makes this new Sea Zero ship follow in the wake of Hurtigruten ships past and present.

The ship is modelled at 143.5 meters in length and is set to have cabins for around 500 passengers. This is a similar size to the ships in our current fleet, ensuring we retain the intimate onboard experience we are loved for.

A large cargo hold and the ability to transport cars is also included in the design, in keeping with our faithful 130-year service transporting local passengers, cargo and tourists alike to communities on the Norwegian coast.