COULD this be the cruise ship of the future? A zero-emission beauty powered by nature, using sails and solar panels, has moved a step closer and could set sail within six years.

Hurtiguten, already one of the leading sustainable brands in travel, has unveiled updated plans for its Sea Zero project, and not only does the eco-ambition sound good, but it looks great, too.

Scheduled to debut in 2030, the ship will be able to sail entirely emission-free during normal operation, while energy consumption could be reduced by as much as 50 per cent.

It is being developed in the Norwegian city of Еlesund by Vard, one of Hurtigruten’s key partners in the project, who have come up with these stunning new renderings of the vessel.

Its distinctive profile is informed by OceanWings sails which can be raised and lowered as needed, reducing energy consumption, and solar panels to contribute even more energy savings.

Contra-rotating propellers provide the main propulsion, powered by batteries with a capacity of 60 megawatt-hours, and two retractable thrusters at the stern ensure optimal manoeuvering.

Another innovation sees air bubbles pumped beneath the hull to reduce drag, and advanced anti-fouling coatings mean regular hull cleaning and water resistance can be significantly reduced.

Inside, “smart cabins” will allow guests to control their own heating and ventilation through an app and a screen in the cabin, while also seeing how much energy is being used.

“The cruising industry is a significant polluter, and it is crucial that we now take major steps to reduce emissions,” says Hurtigruten’s chief executive Hedda Felin.

“Our goal is to have an emission-free ship in operation by around 2030. We are still in the research and development phase, but we have made significant progress.”

Sea Zero renderings courtesy of Vard.