Silversea Cruises, the ultra-luxury brand owned by Royal Caribbean Group, will debut a fuel-efficient hybrid vessel in the summer, 2023. No other cruise company currently has this capability. This ship is said to be the cruise industry’s first such vessel, with a hybrid solution enabling the ship to be local emissions-free while docked at ports.

The ships, referred to as Project Evolution, will use three types of power sources to provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly voyage experience, including the fuel cell system, battery technology and dual-fuel engines, which will use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the primary fuel.

"Silversea's newest ship class is a significant leap forward in our commitment to sustainable ship design and our journey to reduce our environmental footprint," Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) Chairman and CEO Richard Fain said. "We first announced our fuel cell ambitions several years ago. Through dedication and perseverance, we are now proud to introduce the first ship with large-scale fuel cell technology capable of achieving emission-free port operations."

Compared with the company’s previous class of ships, Project Evolution is expected to attain a 40% overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per double occupancy as a result of the new hybrid technology.

"These advancements support our desire to showcase the world to our guests, and to do so in a mindful and environmentally responsible way,” said Silversea Cruises President and CEO Roberto Martinoli.

The entire suite of initiatives for the ship class has been developed in collaboration with Meyer Werft Shipyard. According to the company, this is the first large-scale fuel-cell installation at sea in the cruise sector. The vessels will feature LNG-powered propulsion systems that produce less carbon and 97% fewer particulates than normal fuel oil. A bank of batteries on board the will streamline the overall ship power system and help reduce fuel consumption.