New Eco-Friendly Cruise Ships Set Sail
In a significant move towards sustainable travel, the cruise industry is embracing innovative technologies to reduce its environmental impact. Two newly launched expedition cruise ships, the Magellan Discoverer and Captain Arctic, are leading the charge with advanced eco-friendly features. These vessels promise to redefine luxury and exploration while prioritizing sustainability.
Magellan Discoverer: A Leap in Sustainable Engineering
The ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, has unveiled the Magellan Discoverer, a groundbreaking hybrid diesel-electric polar cruise ship designed for Antarctica21. This vessel, which follows the successful launch of the Magellan Explorer in 2019, was floated out on October 24 and is set for delivery in September 2026, with service commencing in November 2026.
Measuring 94 meters (308 feet) in length, the Magellan Discoverer is the first of its kind in the polar cruise sector. It features ABB’s Azipod maneuvering technology and an advanced energy storage system powered by marine-grade lithium batteries. This innovative power management system ensures optimal engine efficiency, significantly reduces emissions, and provides quieter operations. The ship is equipped with two 1,800 kW hybrid-electric diesel engines, allowing it to reach speeds of 14 knots in open water.
The vessel boasts a PC6 Ice Class hull and a draft of 4.3 meters (14 feet), making it well-suited for polar conditions. Each cabin includes a private balcony, accommodating a maximum of 96 passengers. Onboard amenities include a panoramic lounge, dining room, sauna, outdoor BBQ deck, and a science lab. Fernando Rodriguez, General Manager of ASENAV, emphasized that this ship represents a major advancement in sustainable engineering.
Currently, the Magellan Discoverer is undergoing interior outfitting and navigation system integration, followed by technical trials and maritime certification. It will be registered in the Bahamas, similar to its predecessor.
Captain Arctic: Pioneering Near-Zero Emissions
Another innovative vessel, the Captain Arctic, is making strides in eco-friendly exploration. Goltens Dubai reported that the hull was floated on October 2, with preparations underway for its transfer to the Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien (CNOI) shipyard in Mauritius for outfitting. The hull is expected to arrive at CNOI on November 3.
Designed for the French company SELAR, the Captain Arctic will operate as a near-zero-emission exploration vessel. It will utilize wind propulsion, featuring five rigid sails equipped with integrated photovoltaic solar panels. This innovative design aims to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent compared to traditional ships.
At 70 meters (230 feet) long, the Captain Arctic will have retractable sails that stand 35 meters (115 feet) tall and encompass 2,000 square meters of solar panels. The ship will also feature two propeller shafts that generate energy and function as hydro turbines. Water will be produced onboard through reverse osmosis, and heating will be provided by a pellet boiler using recycled wooden waste pellets. To further minimize environmental impact, the ship will include organic food digesters and a treatment tank that converts black and gray water into potable water.
With a capacity for 36 passengers and a crew of 24, the Captain Arctic will operate without set itineraries, allowing the captain to chart the best course based on current conditions. Scheduled for completion in August 2026, the ship will offer winter cruises in 2027, focusing on skiing in the Viking fjords and chasing the Northern Lights in Norway, with stops in Svalbard and Greenland.
