Meyer Werft begins building Silversea's hybrid cruise ship, Silver Nova

Steel was cut at the Papenburg yard for the 54,700gt ship that will carry 728 passengers and is scheduled for delivery in summer 2023.

40% per suite reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Silver Nova will use LNG as its main propulsion fuel, supplemented by battery power to help optimize overall power, saving fuel.

This, together with the hydrogen-based fuel cell power alongside, will enable the ship to achieve a 40% overall reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions per double-occupancy suite when compared to Silversea's latest Muse-class vessels.

'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,' Silversea President and CEO Roberto Martinoli said. 'Silver Nova is the manifestation of Silversea and Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term commitment to sustainability.'

'Sustainability is the future of luxury travel'

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

In building at Meyer Werft, Silversea chose one of the world's most modern yards. Meyer is known for working with customers and suppliers to develop environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies to comply with future regulations.

First Silversea build at Meyer

'We are delighted to begin the construction of this innovative ship and to continue our long partnership with Royal Caribbean Group. This day is a very special one for us, as it is the first time that a Silversea ship is being built at our shipyard,' said Bernard Meyer, managing director of Meyer Werft.

Sustainable features of Silver Nova and future Nova-class ships include a waste heat recovery system, a hydrodynamic hull to reduce friction and, therefore, emissions, and shore power capability.

The shore connection is to increase flexibility at the various ports and provides redundancy to maintain zero local emissions alongside.

Further features include a micro auto gasification system, which reduces on-board waste volume, resulting in lower incineration emissions.

EEDI rating 25% better than mandated

This ship class is projected to achieve an Energy Efficiency Design Index rating approximately 25% better than applicable IMO requirements.

Silver Nova will also be one of the most spacious cruise ships ever built with a space-to-guest ratio of 75 gross tons, the highest in Silversea’s fleet. The crew-to-guest ratio will be 1:1.3, and all suites will have butler service, a Silversea hallmark.

Members of the Venetian Society loyalty program and travel advisors will have pre-sale access starting Dec. 16. General sales will open on Jan. 6.