French cruise company Nice Green Ferries (NGF) intends to introduce hybrid cruise ships in both the Scandinavian and Mediterranean areas.
NGF’s Hybrid Cruise Ship
- In response to Norway’s regulations for emission-free and hydrogen-powered ferries operating in fjords, Nice Green Ferries (NGF) plans to deploy hybrid cruise ships in Scandinavia and the Mediterranean.
- This move aligns with the upcoming zero-emission fjord regulation, making Norwegian fjords the world’s first emission-free waters from January 1, 2026.
- Each cruise ship will be equipped with a “special power plant” onboard that will comprise “several multi-fuel power systems.” The power plant will include “large batteries, windmills/solar cells, fuel cells, biodiesel/biofuels and also standard clean MDO, all as required and available,” NGF claims.
Eco-Friendly Operations
Ammonia cracking is the process by which ammonia is decomposed towards hydrogen and nitrogen over a catalyst.
The vessels will also be capable of using “their own power plants, with batteries/fuel cells to provide sufficient shore power” when berthing at smaller ports that do not offer shore power yet. The cruise ships “will have zero emissions when going in/out of ports, and whilst in the ports,” NGF adds.
The hybrid cruise ships will have a capacity of carrying about 500 passengers.
Strategic Expansion
NGF is currently in discussion with two European shipyards to build these ships.
The cruise operator plans to build two hybrid cruise ships initially, which will be available from 1 January 2026. The company has an option to add two more vessels at a later stage.
NGF has proposed to operate the cruise ships in Scandinavia/ west coast of Norway up to Svalbard in summer season (between 1 May and 1 October) and in the Mediterranean area in winter season (between 1 October and 1 May).
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Source: Engine
