The shipyard in Turku, which belongs to the Meyer shipbuilding group, has finalized the design for the so-called “Avatar” project. It is intended to be a net-zero cruise ship concept.
The CO₂ footprint of the ship over its entire life cycle was reduced by more than 90% compared to the reference value defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Meyer Turku has now announced. The results should provide “a solid basis for further development and innovation in sustainable shipbuilding”.
The concept was one of the main objectives of “NEcOLEAP”, Meyer Turku’s four-year research and development program, which was co-funded by Business Finland. A network of experts from various disciplines were brought together. “We now have a comprehensive portfolio of new ideas, tools and next-generation ship technologies,” said Anu Ahola, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at Meyer Turku.
The concept ship integrates technologies and solutions that are expected to be technologically feasible and available by 2030, according to those involved. More experimental technologies or technologies that are still under development were deliberately excluded. “A single solution is not enough – for example, a simple fuel switch will not achieve the desired effect. A net-zero ship concept is the sum of many complementary measures,” explained Liina Vahala, Head of Product Development at Meyer Turku.
Minimizing the ship’s energy consumption was the focus of the concept development. The design focuses on a slimmer and lighter structure as well as improved energy efficiency in the on-board areas. For example, more energy-efficient ventilation systems reduce the heating and cooling energy requirements on the cabin decks by around 50%.
Biomethanol was chosen as the fuel. The concept ship also uses wind propulsion and solar panels. “Sustainable materials and optimized use of space also contribute to reducing overall emissions over the entire life cycle,” it continues.
