It may be a luxurious way to sail the blue ocean, but sailing has never been particularly eco-friendly.
However, that could be about to change with a zero-emissions liner on the horizon.
Hurtigruten, which has been sailing along the Norwegian coast for 130 years, is developing what could be the most energy-efficient ship of its class in the world, with wind and solar sails, battery banks and “smart” cabins.
Cruise ships have a larger carbon footprint than air travel and the design hopes to address this issue with its “zero emissions propulsion.”
The ship, which the company hopes to set sail in 2030, will be 443 feet long and have 270 staterooms for 500 passengers. It will also transport cargo and those who want to travel to different points along the coast.
Hurtigruten has partnered with SINTEF, a research organization, to work on the concept.
Calculations show that the design will use 40 to 50 percent less energy than current ships, allowing it to operate primarily on batteries as the main power source.
Three retractable sails up to 50 meters high will attract air currents and will be covered by solar panels.
Hurtigruten, which has been sailing voyages along the Norwegian coast for 130 years, is developing what could be the most energy-efficient ship of its class in the world.
The sails will also capture wind energy and use it to propel the boat, just like a normal boat sail.
During the summer, the cruise will be powered by Northern Norway’s “midnight sun”, which shines all day long.
Passengers will also be able to monitor energy use in their cabin via a mobile phone app.
Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten, said: “The Coastal Express has been sailing along the Norwegian coast for 130 years. In order for us to sail for 130 more years, we need to change the way we sail.
‘We are now improving our fleet, reducing CO2 emissions by 25 percent. Still, for our precious nature and for future generations, we have to do more.
‘It will require a lot of hard work, a lot of investment and a lot of collaboration with very smart partners. But I know we will get there.
“The cruise industry is a major polluter and it is crucial that we now take significant action to reduce emissions.”