MEYER WERFT Group has unveiled project Vision: the world’s first fully battery-electric cruise ship with a volume of approximately 82,000 GT. This concept study demonstrates how sustainable innovations can fundamentally redefine the future of the cruise industry. As the ship operates entirely on batteries, main engines, funnels, and direct emissions are a thing of the past.
“We asked ourselves how we can use innovation to reduce CO₂ emissions and contribute to decarbonization – not in 50 years, but much sooner. We enable a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 95%,” explains Tim Krug of the MEYER WERFT Concept Development Group. The shipbuilding company, with facilities in Germany and Finland, presents a groundbreaking concept annually at Seatrade Cruise Global to underscore its position as a technological leader.
Johannes Bade, responsible for the development program behind Vision, adds: “With battery-electric cruise ships, we offer a competitive product that utilizes existing technologies. We are creating entirely new opportunities for our customers to operate sustainably and profitably in the long term.” Project Vision is 275 meters long and accommodates 1,856 passengers.
The battery system is supplied by the Norwegian company Corvus Energy. “We are delighted to have Corvus Energy by our side – the pioneer in safe and reliable battery systems for ships, having equipped more than half of the world’s hybrid and fully electric seagoing vessels. The technology is available today. If an order were placed this year, we could deliver the first ship as early as 2031,” says Thomas Weigend, Chief Sales Officer at MEYER WERFT.
“Our close collaboration with MEYER WERFT and the combination of our capabilities represent the natural evolution of battery technology – and a defining moment for the industry. Scaling up to fully electric cruise ships shows the world that the technology is safe, mature, and ready to change the rules of the game,” adds Fredrik Witte, CEO of Corvus Energy.
No funnel and limitless comfort
The battery system allows for a large portion of typical European cruise routes to be covered, such as the itinerary from Barcelona to Civitavecchia near Rome. By 2030, approximately one hundred European ports will offer the necessary charging infrastructure. Upon request, the ships can also be built as hybrids with small generators for purposes such as transatlantic crossings.
Project Vision also introduces a new architectural approach: the vertical shaft for exhaust gas treatment and the funnel – which normally occupy a large portion of the sun deck – can be completely eliminated. This enables a completely new sun deck design with unobstructed views. The ship is designed for all weather conditions, featuring fully glazed, weather-protected zones. For example, the signature water park is positioned as an indoor area at the stern, making it usable year-round.
Another major advantage of the fully electric propulsion is the significantly improved comfort on board: without main engines, there are even fewer noises and vibrations noticeable to the guests.
Pictures MEYER WERFT.
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