There’s a green shift happening in exploration cruising and a new cruise company wants to lead the pack with an innovative electric ship.
Norway has mandated a ban on fossil fuel-powered ships from its world-heritage fjords from 2026. The 250-passenger Northern Xplorer will feature ABB’s fully electric propulsion system, including battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology that will enable to it to sail emissions-free in the Norwegian fjords and further afield
“Discerning travelers want to cruise with a clean conscience, and with this ground-breaking green ship we aim to cater to that strong demand,” said Northern Xplorer founder and CEO Rolf André Sandvik. The ship would be built by West Sea at its Portuguese facility in Viana do Costello north of Porto. Its cruise newbuilding portfolio has included three 200-passenger polar exploration ships for Atlas Ocean Voyages, the World Navigator, World Voyager and World Explorer. The timeline would see the new ship delivered during 2025.
“As a shipbuilder focused on advanced vessels and high quality, we very much look forward to working together with Northern Xplorer. We’re proud to be taking a lead in building such an innovative and technology advanced vessel of a high standard that will have minimal impact on the environment,” said West Sea manager Vitor Figueiredo.
Northern Xplorer and ABB promise more details soon and they say they are still consulting multiple suppliers to install the latest green technology into the vessel. “We haven’t made any final decisions yet because we want to go with the newest technology as it becomes available. Where possible we also aim to select the most sustainable materials available in the market,” Sandvik said.
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