ULSTEIN SIF – full electric cruise vessel
ULSTEIN SIF embodies our vision for sustainable expedition cruising with its full-electric design. To support this mission, ULSTEIN THOR serves as a mobile power station, originally designed for Antarctic expeditions, providing clean energy to recharge vessels like SIF. Together, they pave the way for emissions-free travel in challenging waters.
Enabling fully electric cruise vessels in Antarctic waters
ULSTEIN THOR was originally conceived as a replenishment vessel for expedition cruise ships operating in the Antarctic waters from October to March. Over 50 cruise vessels embark on expedition tours in the Antarctic peninsula during this period. To demonstrate the commercial viability of this concept, we introduced ULSTEIN SIF alongside ULSTEIN THOR. ULSTEIN SIF, a full-electric expedition cruise ship concept, is intended to operate on par with other cruise ships.
ULSTEIN SIF will, when crossing the Drake Passage between Antarctica and Ushuaia, typically consume about 130 MWh of energy on a two-day operation. While in Antarctica, the energy consumption decreases to approximately 100 MWh for a five-day trip.
With these figures in mind, we have devised a charging schedule for a fully electric vessel. This includes two offshore recharges per round trip – one upon arrival at Antarctica and another before the return journey through the Drake Passage, plus a final recharge at the port in Ushuaia. ULSTEIN SIF's battery will be charged with 100 kWh during each of the two recharges in Antarctica.
Key features
Main characteristics
- Length overall: 100 m
- Breadth: 16.5 m
- Depth to main deck: 7.2 m
- Draught, max: 5.2 m
- Passengers: 60-80
- Crew: 60-80
- POB: 120-160
- Operational area: Worldwide, including Arctic and Antarctic waters
- Additional features: Polar Code Category c, Ice Class 1C
Case study
Our idea for ULSTEIN THOR was developed to solve a significant problem within the expedition cruise industry. Expedition cruise ships operate in increasingly remote and environmentally fragile areas. At the same time, the industry faces growing pressure from diverse stakeholders to preserve nature and minimise the environmental impact of cruising. THOR replenishes energy and supplies on site, while also boasting technology to facilitate rescue operations and conduct research. It is, in effect, a crucial piece of infrastructure to support sustainable and safer operations. Explore our case study to discover how 'THOR' is capable of revolutionising the expedition cruise industry.
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Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg
- Description
- Chief Designer
- Affiliation
- Ulstein International AS