During SMM 2022, the recently established Norwegian cruise venture and Portuguese shipbuilder West Sea signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for the construction of the Northern Xplorer’s maiden vessel, which is said to be the world’s first zero-emission cruise ship with expected delivery at the start of the 2025/2026 cruise season.
In particular, West Sea intends to build the 250-passenger vessel at its facility in Viana do Costello north of Porto. Its cruise newbuilding portfolio to date includes the 200-passenger World Navigator (built 2021), World Voyager (built 2020) and World Explorer (built 2019), the first three in a series of seven high-end polar expedition vessels for a renowned luxury cruise operator.
This is a new milestone on our journey towards emission-free cruising. Having approached yards worldwide for tenders, we’re delighted to be embarking on this exciting project with West Sea. They are a modern, professional yard with a good track record.
…said Northern Xplorer (NX) founder and CEO Rolf André Sandvik.
“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.
The vessel’s design features ABB’s fully electric propulsion system, including the battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology that will enable to it to sail emissions-free in the Norwegian fjords and further afield as the green shift takes root. NX and ABB are currently in dialogue with multiple sub-suppliers for vessel systems.
