Ultra-luxury travel brand Silversea Cruises first ship under its newbuilding project ‘Project Evolution’ will be named ‘Silver Nova’.
Last month, the construction started at Meyer Werft’s yard in Papenburg.
This vessel, set for delivery in summer 2023, is claimed to be the first hybrid, luxury cruise ship with zero local emissions while in port port.
‘Silver Nova’ and future ‘Nova’ class ships will be fitted with hybrid power sources, using fuel cells and batteries while in port and LNG as the main fuel. The new hybrid technology will also allow the vessel to achieve a 40% overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per double suite , compared to the previous class of ships (‘Muse’ class).
“Our Nova class ships represent a significant investment in unprecedented technological solutions. They support our mission to preserve the planet without compromising on comfort or luxury,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea Cruises’ President and CEO.
“’Silver Nova’ is the manifestation of Silversea and Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term commitment to sustainability.”
“Sustainability is the future of luxury travel and the name ’Silver Nova’ is representative of the incredible innovation of Silversea’s luxury,” added CCO Barbara Muckermann.
“Silversea is already a leader in environmentally conscious travel and now, with ’Silver Nova’, we will go even further to meet the expectations of both today’s and tomorrow’s luxury traveller.”
“We are delighted to begin the construction of this innovative ship and to continue our long partnership with Royal Caribbean Group. This day is a very special one for us, as it is the first time that a Silversea ship is being built at our shipyard,” commented Bernard Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Werft.
Sustainable features of ’Silver Nova’ and all future ‘Nova’ class ships include a micro auto gasification system, which reduces on board waste volume, resulting in lower incineration emissions.
In addition, the class is also projected to achieve an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) rating of around 25% better than applicable IMO requirements.
Shore power will allow the ship to shut down her main generators at select ports and plug into the onshore energy supply, thereby cutting on board local emissions to zero. Overall, the hydrodynamic ship design and optimised innovation technology will help lessen the ship’s impact on environment, Silversea said.
‘Silver Nova’ will have a space-to-guest ratio of 75 gt-per-passenger – the highest in Silversea’s fleet – offering one of the most personalised services at sea with a 1:1.3 crew-to-guest ratio, as well as the line’s butler services for all suites. She will have a capacity of 728 guests and a gross tonnage of 54,700.
