The Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg has once again developed a new cruise ship concept for the important industry trade fair Seatrade Cruise Global in the USA: 100% battery-electric and 82,000 GT.
In recent years, the shipbuilder from the far north-west of the country has repeatedly launched an innovative concept at the trade fair – and this year was no exception. In 2025, it was a climate-neutral cruise ship concept especially for senior citizens. The concept for 2026 runs under the project name “Vision”. According to the shipyard, it is the “world’s first 100% battery-electric cruise ship with a size of more than 80,000 GT”. Project “Vision” is 275 m long, can accommodate 1,856 passengers and is around 82,000 GT in size.
“We have considered how we can use innovations to reduce CO2 and contribute to decarbonization. And not just in 50 years’ time. We make it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95%,” explains Tim Krug from the Meyer Werft Concept Development Group. Johannes Bade, responsible for the development program behind “Vision”, adds: “With battery-electric cruise ships, we are offering a competitive product that is based on existing technologies. We are opening up completely new ways for our customers to operate sustainably in the long term.
Of course, there is not yet an order for a ship based on the concept. But an important partner is already on board: the battery system comes from Corvus Energy in Norway. “We are delighted to have Corvus Energy at our side, a pioneer in the field of safe and reliable battery systems for ships, which has equipped more than half of the world’s hybrid and fully electric seagoing vessels. The technology is available. If orders are placed this year, we could deliver as early as 2031,” says Thomas Weigend, Chief Sales Officer at the shipyard.
Fredrik Witte, CEO of Corvus Energy, called the collaboration a “natural progression of battery technology”. The move towards all-electric cruise ships shows the world “that the technology is safe, mature and ready to set new standards.”
According to the information provided, the battery system can be used for a large part of the usual European cruise routes, for example the route from Barcelona to Civitavecchia near Rome. By 2030, a good one hundred ports across Europe will provide the necessary charging infrastructure. If desired, the ships can also be built as hybrids with small generators, which would enable Atlantic crossings, for example.
It should be possible to completely dispense with the exhaust gas treatment shaft running from the bottom to the top of the ship and the chimney, which takes up part of the sun deck. This will enable a new sundeck design with an unrestricted view. The concept study is intended as an all-weather ship and has fully glazed, weather-protected areas. The typical Aqua Park has been arranged as an indoor area at the stern, allowing it to be used throughout.
