Given their vessels’ emissions, commercial shipping companies and cruise lines are concerned about climate challenges. Renewable energy in the near term provides a path to the ultimate goal: zero emissions by 2040 or sooner.
Innovative cruise ship design
Researchers and developers are working to create what is expected to be the world’s first zero-emissions cruise ship. The R&D is undertaken by Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten, which hopes to debut the innovative vessel by 2030. Since the actual shipbuilding will have to begin by 2027, the company is currently focused on testing necessary components and preparing prototypes to study.
An egg-shaped design will make the 443-foot-long vessel aerodynamic. The hull will have a special coating to help repel barnacles and allow the ship to glide through the water smoothly. This coating will pair well with a system called “air lubrication” that will cover the bottom of the hull with tiny bubbles to help reduce friction. A new propeller system should help save 5% to 10% of the vessel’s energy.
The “wing rigs” feature
Designed with 16,000 square feet of solar panels, three huge sails, or “wing rigs,” will be able to capture wind energy together with solar power. When wind and sun conditions are favorable, the sails will rise to their full height of 164 feet. However, they are also retractable to allow the ship, which follows a coastal route, to pass beneath bridges. Norway’s midnight sun, which occurs in the summer, will allow the sails to generate continuous energy. Wind and solar power will be utilized to charge batteries during voyages. Renewable energy can also charge batteries at various ports of call. With an eye toward maximum efficiency, the company will use artificial intelligence to select the best routes for cruising.
Container ships and green fuel
On the commercial side, a new container ship that operates on green methanol extracted from the food waste at landfills is already plying the seas. The vessel is owned by shipping company Maersk, whose officials have decided to purchase new vessels that only use green fuel.
On a global scale, the shipping industry contributes to about 1 billion tons of CO2 emissions each year. Green methanol can help curb pollution. In addition to food waste as a source, it can also be made from green hydrogen or renewable electricity and can reduce a ship’s emissions by up to 70%.
Not a perfect solution
Since green methanol can only go so far in eliminating emissions, researchers are working on other possibilities, including electrification, liquid hydrogen, and ammonia. Like the cruise lines, Maersk is focused on achieving a net zero goal by 2050, worst case. They would prefer to accomplish that goal by 2040. However, the company is positioned to operate at least a quarter of its 300 ships using green fuel by the end of this decade.
Meeting climate goals
In Norway, researchers at Hurtigruten are interested in working with developers from other companies to build zero-emissions fleets. They believe the entire industry would benefit from what they learn about cruising on green energy.
For its part, Maersk is in the process of retrofitting its older ships to be able to use green fuel. Meanwhile, the company has another 25 new ships on order, ships that will use green fuel and help Maersk—like its cruise line counterpart—address the pressing needs of climate control.
Mother Nature doesn’t want your old computers but we do.
