In a significant advancement for sustainable travel, Hurtigruten is progressing towards its ambitious goal of operating an emission-free vessel along the Norwegian coast by 2030. The Sea Zero project has reached a pivotal milestone aimed at reimagining sustainable sailing.

A Breakthrough in Green Technology

Testing at SINTEF Ocean’s facilities in Trondheim, Norway, has propelled Hurtigruten’s vision closer to realization. Notable innovations under trial include large battery packs, retractable sails, air lubrication systems, and energy-optimised hull designs. These technologies are meticulously engineered to enhance maritime capabilities.

“We are learning a lot from these tests, and we now see that many of the ambitious goals in this project can also be implemented in practice,” said Gerry Larsson-Fedde, Chief Operating Officer at Hurtigruten. Translation: “We’re gaining valuable insights from these tests, demonstrating the feasibility of our ambitious goals.”

Pioneering Ship Design

The vessel’s design has been refined for improved efficiency, showcasing a longer, lower, and more stable hull. The addition of two retractable sails is particularly noteworthy, which can be adjusted to yield 10-15% energy savings based on trials.

Hurtigruten aims for a 40-50% decrease in energy consumption compared to existing vessels. “It’s feasible to incorporate a battery system designed to empower the ship between charging points under standard weather conditions,” stated Trond Johnsen, Project Manager.

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainability

The Sea Zero initiative is a collective endeavor involving Hurtigruten, SINTEF, and other crucial industry stakeholders. Their partnership has generated encouraging results, with model tests reflecting a promising trajectory towards enabling zero-emission operations. As Anders Alterskjær, Research Manager at SINTEF Ocean, emphasized, “The model tests show encouraging outcomes in reducing the energy requirements for sustainable operation.”

Translation: “The tests indicate substantial progress in minimizing the energy needed for zero-emission operations.”

Commitment to a Greener Future

With a legacy in sustainable tourism, Hurtigruten’s Sea Zero project reinforces its dedication to leading ecological innovation. Hedda Felin, the CEO, remarked, “To ensure we sail for another 130 years, we must change how we navigate.”

Translation: “To continue our journey for 130 more years, we must transform our sailing methods.”

This project is poised to revolutionize maritime travel while preserving Hurtigruten’s close ties with the breathtaking Norwegian coastline. As advancements roll out, the future of cruising not only looks sustainable but is also inspirational.

Stay tuned as Hurtigruten forges ahead toward a zero-emission future, reshaping how we experience our planet’s beauty.