Silversea Cruises is set to debut its very first hybrid powered ship in summer 2023.
The new class of ships, known as “Project Evolution,” will operate using a trio of power sources including a fuel cell system, battery technology, and dual fuel engines using mainly liquefied natural gas. This hybrid system will allow the vessel to be free of local emissions while at port.
“Silversea’s newest ship class is a significant leap forward in our commitment to sustainable ship design and our journey to reduce our environmental footprint,” said Richard Fain,Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We first announced our fuel cell ambitions several years ago. Through dedication and perseverance, we are now proud to introduce the first ship with large-scale fuel cell technology capable of achieving emission-free port operations.”
The new technology will also allow Project Evolution to achieve a 40 percent overall reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions per double occupancy when compared to Silversea’s previous class of ships.
This ship class is also projected to achieve an Energy Efficiency Design Index rating about 25 percent better than applicable International Maritime Organization requirements.
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This steady progress in Royal Caribbean Group’s sustainability efforts remain rooted in the company’s mantra of continuous improvement. It will drive the company’s future as alternative, non-carbon-based solutions become available to support its decarbonization journey.
Project Evolution’s initiatives, developed in partnership with Meyer Werft Shipyard, will include both brand new initiatives as well as features previously introduced, such as:
- Fuel Cell System — this hydrogen-based technology will supplement the main power supply and carry the ship’s total hotel load — the first large-scale fuel-cell installation at sea in the cruise industry
- Liquefied Natural Gas — a cleaner burning fuel, LNG-fueled propulsion systems emit less CO2 and 97 percent fewer particulates than normal fuel oil used on ships.
- Battery — a bank of batteries supports optimizing the overall ship power system, saving fuel
- Waste to Energy — newly developed Micro Auto Gasification System reduces onboard waste volume, resulting in lower incineration emissions.
- Progress to Carbon Neutral Construction — Project Evolution is thoughtfully designed and built taking into consideration the carbon footprint of ship construction and creating a path to overall reduction.
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