Is this the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship?

Hurtigruten is one step closer to creating the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship, with its pioneering Sea Zero project reaching a major milestone.

Following months of rigorous testing at SINTEF Ocean’s facilities in Trondheim, Norway, the concept ship’s design has been refined, bringing the goal of sustainable coastal cruising by 2030 significantly closer.

“The Coastal Express has sailed the Norwegian coast for 130 years. For us to sail for 130 years more, we need to change the way we sail,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten.

What is Hurtigruten’s Sea Zero plan?

The Sea Zero concept includes large battery packs, retractable sails embedded with solar panels, an energy-optimised hull, air lubrication systems and contra-rotating propellers. These innovations are being developed to dramatically reduce energy consumption and eliminate emissions during normal operation.

Hurtigruten aims to sail emission-free along the Norwegian coast from around 2030.

“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.

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What is the new Hurtigruten sustainability project?

Recent trials involved an eight-metre model tested in SINTEF’s ocean basin and towing tank. Simulations confirmed that the sails alone could reduce energy consumption by 10–15%.

“For each round we make changes to optimise the design. Now the ship is eight meters longer and slightly wider, and the height has been reduced by one deck. This provides, among other things, better stability. We have also gone from three to two sails,” added Larsson-Fedde.

Hurtigruten cruise energy savings

The Sea Zero concept aims to reduce energy use by 40–50% compared to Hurtigruten’s current fleet. With that reduction, batteries charged via shore power in key ports could make fully emission-free sailings a reality.

“With the reduction in energy use we’re aiming for, it’s realistic to fit a battery system with enough energy to allow the ship to sail between charging ports under normal weather conditions,” said Trond Johnsen, Project Manager for Sea Zero.

Who is Hurtigruten workng with?

Hurtigruten is working closely with Norwegian research institute SINTEF and other partners including Vard Design, DNV, Brunvoll, Plug and Corvus Energy to bring Sea Zero to life.

“To fully understand and analyse how these technologies work together, we are using advanced numerical simulations and have developed new laboratory techniques and instrumentation for ship model testing,” said Anders Alterskjær, Research Manager at SINTEF Ocean. “The model tests and analyses performed so far show encouraging results towards reducing the energy demand to the degree needed to enable zero emission operation.”

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What is Sea Zero? At a glance

– Goal: World’s most energy-efficient cruise ship
– Zero-emission operation targeted for 2030
– New: 143.5 metres long – Hurtigruten’s longest vessel to date
– New: Two retractable sails with solar panels (10–15% energy savings)
– Contra-rotating propellers and air lubrication to reduce drag
– Smart energy systems for heating, cooling and onboard operations
– Estimated 40–50% energy savings vs current ships
– Partners include SINTEF, Vard Design, DNV, Brunvoll, Plug, Corvus Energy and others

What is Hurtigruten?

Since 1893, Hurtigruten has connected Norway’s coastal communities, transporting locals, cargo and international guests to 34 ports along the iconic 12-day round trip between Bergen and Kirkenes.

Today, the fleet offers immersive experiences that highlight the natural beauty and culture of this stunning coastline. The company already operates four battery-hybrid ships and prioritises energy efficiency, responsible waste management and locally sourced ingredients. Through Sea Zero, Hurtigruten aims to take sustainable cruising to the next level.

Hurtigruten operates year-round, offering both Original Coastal Express voyages and premium, all-inclusive Signature voyages, including seasonal sailings to Svalbard and the North Cape.

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