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Hurtigruten has unveiled its first zero-emission cruise ship

Hurtigruten will set sail with the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship in 2030.

With their already established focus on sustainability, early concept designs have been revealed of Hurtigruten Norway’s first zero-emission cruise ship. The ‘Sea Zero’ project will be the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship and is paving the way for emission-free marine travel.

Before ‘Sea Zero’ hits the seas, Hurtigruten Norway and its maritime partners will be testing and developing their ground-breaking innovations until 2025. The project will then advance to the new-build stage as it gears up to launch by 2030.

“Following a rigorous feasibility study, we have pinpointed the most promising technologies for our groundbreaking future cruise ships," Hurtigruten Norway chief executive officer Hedda Felin said.

“We are committed to delivering a ship that surpasses all others in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability within just a few years."

Hurtigruten Sea Zero Concept Visualisation
Sea Zero is the first of its kind. (Image: VARD Design)

What are some of the initiatives?

Battery banks

Hurtigruten Norway’s future ships will be electric and equipped with 60-megawatt-hour batteries (free from cobalt) that charge in port. Plus, your low-battery anxiety can extend beyond your devices as the battery charge will be displayed on the side of the ship for all to see.

Hurtigruten Sea Zero Concept Visualisation
Hurtigruten will set sail with the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship in 2030. (Image: VARD Design)

AI guided bridge

Say hello to more deck space. Following enhanced AI manoeuvring, the bridge where the captain and crew steer the ship is expected to reduce in size (similar to an aeroplane cockpit) meaning there will be more precious viewing areas on the upper decks.

“The streamlined shape, with its innovative hull and propulsion solutions, not only reduces energy demand but also increases passenger comfort," VARD research and innovation manager Henrik Burvang said.

“In the process, we are developing new design tools and exploring new technologies for energy efficiency."

Retractable wind and solar sails

The new ship will have three retractable sails covered by 1,500 square metres of solar panels. This will enhance the aerodynamics of the ship and will have 24-hour sunshine in Norway summer.

Hurtigruten Sea Zero Concept Visualisation, sails fully extended
The sails fully extend. (Image: VARD Design)

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Smart cabins

Each passenger will take control of their own environmental impact through an app that measures their personal water and energy consumption and manages their cabin ventilation.

Additional technologies

The ship will also exhibit air lubrication, advanced hull coating, proactive hull cleaning, contra-rotating propellers, and multiple retractable thrusters.

The 135-metre-long zero-emission ship will hold 500 guests and 99 crew members.

Hurtigruten Sea Zero Concept Visualisation
The ship will hold 500 guests. (Image: VARD Design)
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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.