“Vision”: Meyer Werft Presents Concept for Electric Cruise Ship

(eap) The German MEYER WERFT group is presenting its “Vision” project at the Seatrade Cruise Global trade show, opening today in Miami (USA). The concept study outlines a fully battery-electric cruise ship designed with a length of 275 meters, a capacity of 1,856 passengers and a gross tonnage of around 82,000 GT. The focus of the project is on reducing emissions in the cruise segment.

© Image: Courtesy of MEYER WERFT

“We asked ourselves how we can use innovation to reduce CO₂ and contribute to decarbonization – not in 50 years, but much sooner. We enable a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 95 percent,” explains Tim Krug from the Meyer Werft Concept Development Group. Johannes Bade, responsible for the underlying development program, adds: “With battery‑electric cruise ships, we offer a competitive product that relies on existing technologies. We are opening up entirely new opportunities for our customers to operate sustainably and profitably in the long term.”

The battery system is supplied by Corvus Energy from Norway. “We are pleased to have Corvus Energy – 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 – at our side. The technology is available today. If ordered this year, we could already deliver the first ship in 2031,” says Thomas Weigend, Chief Sales Officer of Meyer Werft. According to the concept, the battery system would allow a large part of typical European cruise routes to be covered, such as connections between Barcelona and Civitavecchia near Rome. By 2030, around 100 ports across Europe are expected to provide the necessary charging infrastructure. Optionally, the ship could also be built as a hybrid variant with small generators to enable, for example, transatlantic crossings.

© Image: Courtesy of MEYER WERFT

In addition to the propulsion concept, the study also includes new approaches to ship design: the vertical shaft running through the ship from bottom to top for exhaust gas treatment and the funnel, which occupies parts of the sun deck, could be completely omitted. This makes a new sun deck design with unobstructed views possible. The Vision concept study is designed as an all-weather ship and features fully glazed, weather-protected areas. The typical aqua park has therefore been arranged as an indoor area at the stern, making it usable at all times. In addition, onboard comfort could be improved by the electric propulsion, as engine noise and vibrations would be reduced. ■