The technology and designs are available to build the world’s first 100 per cent battery-powered cruise ship by 2031, and it could mean more space on the sun deck for passengers.
Speaking at the Seatrade Cruise Global industry trade show, Meyer Werft – the German shipyard behind ships such as Anthem of the Seas and Disney Destiny – presented concept designs for a fully battery-powered cruise ship known as “Project Vision”.
The proposed ship is 275 metres long, accommodates 1,856 passengers and has a size of around 82,000 gross tonnes.
The battery system is supplied by Corvus Energy from Norway and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a vessel by up to 95 per cent.
Project Vision includes new ship designs that do not have the traditional vertical shaft running through the ship for exhaust treatment, or the funnel.
This could create an entirely new sun deck design with unobstructed views for passengers.
Thomas Weigend, chief sales officer at Meyer Werft, said: “If ordered this year, the shipyard could already deliver the first fully battery powered vessel in 2031.”
Newer cruise ships are taking steps to be more sustainable. Vessels such as P&O Cruises Arvia, MSC World Europa and Star Princess use liquefied natural gas (LNG).
VIking Libra, which is launching in November 2026, can operate on hydrogen power for part of a voyage.
Cruise lines that focus on the Norwegian coast, such as Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages, are moving towards hydrogen power and have also completed voyages on biofuels.
Havila Voyages’ ships can operate on battery power for up to four hours.
Some cruise ports offer onshore power for ships when docked so they can turn off their diesel engines.
Dover was named the UK’s first net-zero port this week, which was attributed to initiatives such as using onsite solar power and purchasing sustainably sourced hydrotreated vegetable oil to operate machinery.
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