By
Alex Smith |
Silversea Cruises has begun construction of Silver Nova, the first ship developed in its Project Evolution newbuild programme, with a steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Silver Nova is expected to be the first cruise ship to operate emission-free in port, which will be achieved using fuel cells and batteries. Out of port, she will use LNG as her main fuel. Overall, these developments will reduce Silver Nova’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent compared to Silversea’s previous class of ships.
“Our Nova class ships represent a significant investment in unprecedented technological solutions,” said Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea Cruises. “Silver Nova is the manifestation of Silversea and Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term commitment to sustainability.”
Silver Nova and all future Nova class ships will also include a micro auto gasification system, which reduces the volume of onboard waste and consequently lowers emissions from incineration. In addition, the ship class is projected to achieve an Energy Efficiency Design Index rating approximately 25 per cent better than applicable International Maritime Organization requirements.
“Sustainability is the future of luxury travel and the name Silver Nova is representative of the incredible innovation of Silversea’s luxury,” said Barbara Muckermann, chief commercial officer at Silversea. “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.”
The vessel will have capacity for 728 guests and offer a 1:1.3 crew-to-guest ratio, with butler services for all suites. She is scheduled for delivery in summer 2023.