Shipyard selected for the world’s first zero-emission cruise ship
Norwegian cruise venture Northern Xplorer has signed a letter of intent with Portuguese shipbuilder West Sea to construct what the company says will be the world’s first zero-emission cruise ship. Two cluster members, Multi Maritime and ABB, are central in the development of the ship.
Under the deal, West Sea will build the 250-passenger vessel at its facility in Viana do Costello north of Porto, with expected delivery at the start of the 2025/2026 cruise season in Norway.
Illustration: Multi Maritime.
The vessel’s design by Multi Maritime features ABB’s fully electric propulsion system, including the battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology that will enable it to sail emissions-free in the Norwegian fjords and further afield as the green shift takes root.
ABBs expertise central
The LOI was signed at this year’s maritime trade fair SMM in Hamburg:
“This is a new milestone on our journey towards emission-free cruising. Having approached yards worldwide for tenders, we’re delighted to embark on this exciting project with West Sea. They are a modern, professional yard with a good track record. It’s great to be here at SMM for the signing alongside our technology partner, ABB, whose expertise has been key to developing the concept of this pioneering vessel,” said Northern Xplorer founder and CEO Rolf André Sandvik.
Experience with innovation
Sandvik previously commissioned the hybrid-electric sightseeing vessels Vision of the Fjords, built in 2016 and Future of the Fjords built in 2018 in his former role as founder and CEO of tourism company The Fjords. Both vessels won the Ship of the Year at SMM in their respective delivery years.
Maria Benæs Hunvik
Communications Advisor
+47 954 57 606
maria.hunvik(a)hubforocean.no