German shipbuilder Meyer Werft has unveiled a concept for what it believes would be the world’s first ever 100 per cent battery electric cruise ship – a 65,000 tonne vessel capable of accommodating more than 1,800 passengers.
Meyer Werft, which was founded over 230 years ago, unveiled its new battery electric “Project Vision” cruise ship concept at the Seatrade Cruise Global convention in Miami earlier this month, promising a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 95 per cent.
Measuring in at 275 meters in length, accommodating 1,856 passengers, and with a total size of more than 80,000 gross tonnage (GT), the concept study is designed to demonstrate how sustainable innovations can redefine the future of the cruise industry.
Image Credit: My Cruises
“We asked ourselves how we can use innovation to reduce CO₂ and contribute to decarbonization — not in 50 years, but much sooner,” said Tim Krug, part of the Meyer Werft concept development group.
A battery system would be supplied by Corvus Energy from Norway, which would be capable of powering cruises across a large portion of typical European cruise routes, such as the route from Barcelona to Civitavecchia near Rome.
And, according to Thomas Weigend, the chief sales officer at Meyer Werft, Corvus Energy’s battery technology is already available today, and if ordered this year, could be delivered in 2031.”
“Scaling to fully electric cruise ships shows the world that the technology is safe, mature and ready to change the game,” said Fredrik Witte, CEO of Corvus Energy.
Meyer Werft’s ‘Vision’ concept also incorporates a handful of new architectural approaches to cruise ship design, including eliminating the funnel and a vertical shaft running through the ship for exhaust treatment – unnecessary on a battery powered vessel – allowing for a completely new sun deck design with unobstructed views.
Additionally, battery electric power would also significantly improve onboard comfort, reducing engine noises and vibrations.
“With battery‑electric cruise ships, we offer a competitive product that relies on existing technologies,” added Johannes Bade, responsible at Meyer Werft for the development program behind ‘Vision’.
“We are opening up entirely new opportunities for our customers to operate sustainably and profitably in the long term.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.