MEYER to develop climate-neutral cruise ship by end of 2025

By MEYER Group

Together with more than 100 Finnish companies, all connected to shipbuilding, MEYER is strengthening its competence to develop a climate-neutral cruise ship concept by the end of 2025. At the same time, the company’s shipyard in Turku aims to be climate neutral by 2030. 

How it all started 

The International Maritime Organization’s GHG Strategy points at a common ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping close to 2050. MEYER strongly believes that the target can be reached much earlier - but tackling this task would require the cooperation of the whole shipbuilding ecosystem. Vessels delivered now are still operating long after 2050 which is setting new requirements for future-proofing. 

In light of the above, MEYER’s shipyard in Turku decided to invest more into RDI. A better understanding of future needs and demands would help to accelerate the green transition. A funding application was sent to the state-owned Business Finland, an organisation that is in place to financially support domestic innovation. The search for partners commenced as the application of the 160 million euro project, of which MEYER’s investment is 40 million, was approved. Over 100 Finnish ecosystem partners including both businesses and universities have joined the NEcOLEAP consortium to date. 

Projects within NEcOLEAP 

Cruise ships today are like miniature floating cities offering extraordinary vacation experiences. NEcOLEAP has over 25 projects involving all thinkable aspects of the cruise ship: responsible materials and solutions, resource and energy efficiency, the optimisation of the ship's hull and steel structure to reduce fuel consumption, more efficient waste systems, automation and much more. One of the key projects that has already borne fruit is called NavisSpace. Focusing on early-phase development work and conceptual design, the participating companies looked at various areas such as alternative fuels, energy-saving technologies, building materials and space utilisation. 

In addition to innovating a climate-neutral cruise ship, NEcOLEAP has projects in several other areas of shipbuilding. Another key target is for the MEYER Turku shipyard to become climate-neutral by 2030. Several steps have already been taken, such as switching to carbon-neutral electricity and heating. 

Accelerating towards 2025

MEYER has started integrating the RDI findings from the NEcOLEAP projects into marine applications under a project umbrella called ‘AVATAR’. Through AVATAR, MEYER has started gathering a portfolio of climate-neutral technology concepts, ship concepts and a library of alternative materials and products. This work continues as more projects finalise and yield results. 

After 2025, MEYER should have the capabilities to go ahead with the design and engineering of a climate-neutral cruise ship. In practice this means MEYER will be able to meet varying needs of the cruise lines and come up with customised solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions further. The next generation vessels are also to be designed with plans for lifecycle updates according to the availability and readiness of new technologies, as well as end-of-life recycling. 

To attain climate-neutral operations however, cruise lines still depend on green infrastructure. The deployment of new alternative fuels will set the pace but it depends on their availability and cost. Sustainable port operations offering shore power from renewable energy sources are needed. It has become clear that we also need to “step out” of the ship and try to develop and invest in so-called green cruising areas. MEYER Group already has several ideas and solutions that can be discussed with the various stakeholders of future green cruising. 

Stay informed on the progress 

NEcOLEAP will be sponsoring the roundtable session “Navigating the Decarbonisation Journey: Synergies Between Ships and Ports” during Seatrade Cruise Med in Málaga on September 12, 2024.

Follow NEcOLEAP on LinkedIn.