Charting a New Course

GREEN PASTURES Explora I is the first of MSC Cruises’ ultra-luxe ships; the brand has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

All aboard the vessels that are cruising to a greener future.

Gary Buchanan reports

OCEAN COLOUR GREEN Debuting next summer, Silver Nova will be the world’s first low-emissions ‘multi-hybrid’ cruise ship

True luxury and sustainability may not appear the most likely bedfellows, but some seriously stylish cruise ships are meeting the challenge of an ecologically sound future head-on. In an industry that was once a lightning rod for disquiet around the environmental impacts of travel, recent breakthroughs have resulted in ships forging a trail to decarbonisation. Spearheading the quest for a zero-emission future is Silversea Cruises (silversea.com), whose forthcoming ship Silver Nova, is set to become the world’s first ‘multi-hybrid’ ship when it debuts next summer. While several expeditionstyle cruise lines have devised eco-friendly technologies, Silversea is unrivalled with its notion of a triple hybrid fuel system, an ingenious technology that underscores the company’s commitment to a cleaner maritime ecosystem. Far from greenwashing, this cutting-edge concept is at the vanguard of the pursuit of sustainable fuels and alternative propulsion systems. The largest ship in the Silversea fleet, the new 728-guest Silver Nova’s trio of sustainable power sources comprises a fuel cell system, battery technology to optimise the ship’s propulsion mechanisms, as well as dual fuel engines, principally using liquefied natural gas – the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel currently available. The LNG will be reformed to create hydrogen for the fuel cells which will supplement the power supply and allow the main engines to be switched off in port. Combined with multiple energy-efficient technologies, these pillars of sustainability will achieve a 40 per cent overall reduction in the ship’s greenhouse-gas emissions. The imaginative design also includes technical adaptability in anticipation for the next generation of sustainable propulsion options such as net-zero fuels. “Sustainability without compromise is a cornerstone of our vision,” says Silversea Cruises’ CEO Roberto Martinoli. “We are part of Royal Caribbean Group, whose aim is to have a net-carbon-neutral ship by 2035, with the ultimate goal of a net-carbon-neutral fleet by 2050.” The path to net-zero carbon emissions is also at the forefront of the creators of Explora Journeys (explorajourneys. com), a new ultra-luxury brand from MSC Cruises – the fourth-largest cruise company in the world. Set to launch operations in the Mediterranean next May, the 922-guest Explora I will be a lodestar of luxury. Two billion euros have been committed to building the four ships that will comprise the initial fleet.

Even before the ink was dry on the contract, Explora Journeys announced the construction of a further duo of even more innovative ships. Explora V and VI, slated for delivery in 2027 and 2028, will be fitted with a newgeneration powerplant that will enable the vessels to burn liquid hydrogen.

The design of Explora I through IV incorporates provision for battery storage to allow future hybrid-power generation, as well as the latest selective catalytic reduction technology, which will enable a 90 per cent reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions. The vessels will be powered by marine gas oil with a sulphur content of less than 0.1 per cent, thus complying with MSC Cruises’ pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Created for devotees of leisure and exploration, the vessels’ onboard ambience will be that of a luxurious grand European hotel with a residential vibe – with 461 cabins and staterooms and no fewer than nine distinct culinary experiences, plus a trio of swimming pools and 64 private cabanas on deck.

Equally punctilious in its endeavour for carbon neutrality is Ponant (ponant.com), the foremost Frenchregistered cruise company. Specialising in mapping voyages

MAKING WAVES An indoor pool on board the 922-guest Explora I

to sea lanes less travelled, the company’s six sleek ‘Ponant Explorer’ superyachts convey just 184 guests and exude oodles of French élan.

Ponant’s ethos is “the more technologically advanced the equipment, the less it pollutes”. The pursuit of reduced emissions has been achieved by eliminating the use of heavy fuel oil in favour of LNG and biofuels whenever they’re available. By activating the ship’s catalytic converter, the nitrogen oxide emission rate is reduced by a factor of four. Ponant is the only company in the world to adopt this measure. And the 245-guest Le Commandant Charcot is the first LNG-powered hybrid electric ship. As the world’s only passenger vessel with an ice-breaking hull, it follows in the footsteps of Polar Explorers.

Also imbued with pioneering spirit, Hurtigruten (hurtigruten.com) has been navigating Norway’s coastline since 1893. More recently, its expedition ships set the compass towards Polar regions. Named after heroes of the golden age of exploration and with a revolutionary raked bow, Roald Amundsen and sister ship Fridtjof Nansen are charting a course not just off the beaten map but to the outermost reaches of charted tracks.

Both 500-passenger vessels operate mostly on liquefied natural gas; however, for up to 60 minutes at a time, they can switch to battery power. This allows passengers to enjoy captivating natural scenery in silence. This groundbreaking technology not only reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 per cent, the ships also use less gas oil. The company is also considering a range of new, green fuel options, including biofuels made from organic waste.

All of which means that the next time you step aboard, you can enjoy your voyage knowing that the conveyance of choice is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also doing its utmost to respect and protect the natural world for future generations.

PIONEERING PONANT This picture: Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is the first LNG-powered hybrid electric ship. Above left: a sauna with a view aboard a Ponant Explorer

Ponant’s ethos is ‘the more technologically advanced the equipment, the less it pollutes’

POWERING AHEAD Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen can switch to battery power for up to an hour

PHOTO: OLIVER CORET