It may be the best way to sail on a blue ocean, but sailing has never been greener.
That may be about to change, however, with the zero emission line on the horizon.
Hurtigruten, which has sailed along Norway’s coast for 130 years, is building what could be the world’s most energy-efficient ship – boasting wind and solar panels, battery banks and ‘smart’ cabins.
Sailing has more emissions than air travel and the design hopes to overcome this problem with ‘zero-emission propulsion’.
The ship, which the company hopes to set sail for in 2030, will be 443ft long and will have 270 cabins for 500 passengers.
Hurtigruten has partnered with SINTEF, a research organization, to implement the concept.
Calculations show that the design will use 40-50 percent less energy than today’s ships, making it possible to use batteries as the main source of energy.
Three retractable flights up to a height of 164ft draw atmospheric waves and are covered in solar panels.
Hurtigruten, which has sailed along the coast of Norway for 130 years, is developing a ship that could be the world’s most energy-efficient than its class.
The sails also take energy from the wind and use it to propel the boat, like the sails on a sailboat.
In summer, the journey will be powered by the ‘midnight sun’ of northern Norway that shines every day.
Travelers will also be able to control their home’s energy use through a smartphone app.
Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten, said: “Coastal Express has sailed the coast of Norway for 130 years. To sail for 130 years, we need to change the way we travel.
‘We are now renovating our fleet, cutting CO2 emissions by 25 percent. However, for our precious genetics and for future generations, we must do more.
‘It will require a lot of effort, a lot of money and a lot of cooperation with very clever partners. But I know we will get there.
‘The cruise industry is very polluting and it is important that we take serious measures to reduce emissions.’
