Northern Xplorer finds partner for first hydrogen cruise ship

Classification society DNV Maritime will be responsible for new building supervision and classification of Northern Xplorer’s inaugural vessel, a hydrogen-fuelled cruise ship that is scheduled for delivery by 2026.

Designed by naval architects Multi Maritime AS in Førde, Norway, the 250-passenger ‘hydrogen cruise ship’ features ABB’s fully electric propulsion system, including the battery and hydrogen fuel-cell technology that will enable it to sail emissions-free in the Norwegian fjords and further afield.

Northern Xplorer (NX) has signed a letter of intent for the vessel’s construction with Portuguese shipbuilder West Sea.

DNV is also collaborating with Norwegian flag and technology providers on the enhancement of rules and standards for the safe operation of hydrogen-powered passenger ships.

“I am very pleased DNV is joining us on this project given their competence and insight as a leading classification society,” says Northern Xplorer CEO, Rolf André Sandvik. “Their experience in developing new rules and standards for hybrid and fully electric vessels is unrivalled and makes them the best partner to have as we continue on our mission to build a hydrogen-fuelled cruise ship.”

DNV says it will be engaged during construction and commissioning to verify that its design and structures are fully in compliance with flag and international mandatory requirements, as the basis for obtaining and retaining all necessary certificates for safe operations.

“Safety and quality are our top priorities,” adds Sandvik. “DNV’s participation will assure the integrity of our operations both for investors and future passengers.”

This engagement also includes plan approval of all the ship’s main drawings, as well as hull, machinery, vessel systems and equipment installations.

“We are looking forward to working with the NX team and the shipbuilder,” says Paal Johansen, senior vice president and global cruise ship director for DNV Maritime. “Their zero-emission cruise concept represents a new paradigm for the industry that we’re proud to be part of bringing out into the world.

“Future-oriented collaborative projects like this are extremely important to accelerate decarbonisation not only for the cruise sector, but for the maritime industry as a whole.”