Germany’s Meyer Werft has started work on the first LNG-powered cruise vessel for Silversea Cruises, an ultra-luxury brand of Royal Caribbean Group.
Executives from Silversea and Meyer Werft marked the occasion with a traditional steel cutting ceremony in Papenburg on November 18, according to a joint statement.
Silversea said it would name the first ship Silver NovaSM. The duo developed the vessel as part of Project Evolution.
Also, the new class of ships will operate using a trio of power sources including a fuel cell system, battery technology, and dual-fuel engines using LNG as the main fuel.
Silversea said it would take delivery of the “revolutionary” vessel in summer 2023.
It will have a travel capacity of 728 guests and a gross tonnage of 54,700 tons.
“Silver Nova and future Nova class ships are the latest examples of Silversea’s ongoing efforts to offer travelers an ultra-luxurious experience while simultaneously protecting the treasured destinations it visits and the communities it serves,” it said.
With its hybrid power sources, Silver Nova would achieve a cruise industry-first – local emission-free operation in port by using fuel cells but also batteries, Silversea said.
In addition, the new hybrid technology not only helps in port, but would also allow Silver Nova to achieve a 40 percent overall reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions per double suite when compared to its previous class of ships, the firm said.