Hurtigruten Sets Sail Towards Zero-Emission Future with Sea Zero Project

In a bold leap for sustainable travel, Hurtigruten is edging closer to its ambitious goal of operating an emission-free vessel along the Norwegian coast by 2030, with its Sea Zero project achieving a critical milestone. First unveiled exactly two years ago, this innovative initiative is redefining what it means to sail sustainably. A Breakthrough in Green Technology Rigorous testing at SINTEF Ocean’s facilities in Trondheim, Norway, has brought Hurtigruten’s vision one step closer to reality. Among the cutting-edge innovations being trialled are large battery packs, retractable sails, air lubrication systems, contra-rotating propellers, and an energy-optimised hull. These advancements are being carefully fine-tuned to push the limits of maritime technology. “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. Pioneering Ship Design The ship’s design has been further refined, with researchers unveiling a longer, lower, and more stable hull that maximises energy efficiency. Of particular note are the two retractable sails, which can be adjusted as needed to achieve 10-15% energy savings based on recent trials. With these refinements, Hurtigruten’s Sea Zero project is targeting a 40-50% reduction in energy consumption compared to current vessels. “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, Sea Zero Project Manager. A Collaborative Effort for Sustainability The development of Sea Zero is a joint effort between Hurtigruten, the Norwegian research institute SINTEF, and other key industry players. Their collaboration has yielded promising results, with model tests indicating significant progress toward enabling zero-emission operations. Anders Alterskjær, Research Manager at SINTEF Ocean, highlighted the breakthroughs, stating, “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.” Commitment to a Greener Future Hurtigruten has been a pioneer in sustainable travel, and the Sea Zero project solidifies its commitment to leading the way in green innovation. Reflecting on the company’s legacy, Hedda Felin, Hurtigruten’s CEO, said, “For us to sail for 130 years more, we need to change the way we sail.” The project is set to revolutionise maritime travel while maintaining Hurtigruten’s deep connection with the stunning Norwegian coastline. With advancements like these, the future of cruising is not just sustainable—it’s inspiring. Stay tuned as Hurtigruten continues its journey toward a zero-emission horizon and transforms the way we experience the beauty of our planet.