Silversea unveils name of new LNG-powered ship

Silver Nova will achieve a 40% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions per double suite

Silversea Cruises has unveiled the name of the first ship built as part of its new sustainability project.

The Royal Caribbean Group-owned line claims the vessel, called Silver Nova, will be “the first hybrid, luxury cruise ship free of local emissions at port”.

Executives from the luxury line and shipbuilding company Meyer Werft attended the ship’s steel cutting ceremony in Papenburg, Germany, in November.

The 728-passenger Silver Nova – built as part of Project Evolution – is due to be launched in summer 2023

In port, it will use a combination of fuel cells and batteries, meaning no emissions will be produced when the vessel is docked at ports that have shore power supply.

Outside of port, the vessel will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the cleanest burning fuels available to cruise lines.

Compared to Silversea’s Muse ship class, Silver Nova will achieve a 40% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions per double suite.

The ship will have a 1:1.3 crew-to-guest ratio and the highest space-to-guest ratio across the fleet

Silversea’s past passengers and agents can access Silver Nova’s debut programme from December 16. General sales will open on January 6, 2022.

President and chief executive Roberto Martinoli said: “Our Nova class ships represent a significant investment in unprecedented technological solutions.

“They support our mission to preserve the planet without compromising on comfort or luxury. Silver Nova is the manifestation of Silversea and Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term commitment to sustainability.”

“Sustainability is the future of luxury travel and the name Silver Nova is representative of the incredible innovation of Silversea’s luxury,” added chief commercial officer Barbara Muckermann.

“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.”