Experience zero emission cruising – every day can be an ULSTEIN ZED™ day
Explore protected destinations without leaving a trace. Ulstein ZED delivers up to 12 hours of emission-free operation, allowing your guests to enjoy fragile environments in silence and comfort.
Why zero emission days matter
(Article was first published in June 2019)
Protected areas are tightening access for conventional cruise operations to safeguard local communities and ecosystems. Operators need solutions that combine compliance, guest experience and commercial performance.
In fjords like Geiranger, cruise traffic can account for a very high share of local emissions on peak summer days, making “leave‑no‑trace” operations a licence to visit.
What ULSTEIN ZED is
Ulstein ZED is a systems approach that equips cruise vessels to operate with zero emissions for a full day, using proven, commercially available technologies configured to your route and guest profile. Core building blocks include battery energy storage, energy recovery with HVAC optimisation, solar integration, hot‑water thermal storage, and smart automation/cloud services.
ZED is optimised for newbuilds, while selected components and operating practices can be retrofitted to existing ships.
The benefits at a glance
- Silent cruising
- Battery-electric propulsion eliminates engine noise and vibration, creating a calm and comfortable guest experience in sensitive areas.
- Zero emissions in protected zones
- Up to 12 hours of battery-powered operation ensures no local air or water pollution during day visits to fragile destinations.
- Lower fuel costs
- Hybrid energy management and battery peak shaving reduce overall fuel consumption throughout the voyage.
- Future-ready compliance
- ULSTEIN ZED aligns with tightening environmental regulations, securing access to destinations with strict emission limits.
- Extended energy autonomy
- Integrated solar panels and waste heat recovery systems supplement battery capacity for longer zero-emission endurance.
- Smart energy control
- Cloud-enabled automation optimises hotel loads and propulsion systems, improving efficiency and operational predictability.
Pushing for progress
We aim to be one step ahead in solving key challenges for the maritime industry. By innovating and shaping tomorrow's solutions, we create value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and society at large.
Heat pump technology: the heat pump technology is highly efficient, providing energy- and cost-saving operation. It utilises energy from seawater and technical equipment, ensuring optimal performance. The system features a warm side for heating and a cold side for cooling, making it versatile for various applications.- Battery systems: the battery systems are designed to store both recovered energy and solar energy efficiently. With a capacity of approximately 8 MWh and around 110 tonnes of batteries, they ensure reliable energy storage for various applications.
- Solar panels: the solar panels are designed to provide a capacity of 300 kW, requiring an area of 2000 m². They offer an efficient and sustainable solution for harnessing solar energy, making them ideal for various applications.
How ULSTEIN ZED works
- Plan for lean energy
We analyse your operational profile, then set targets for on‑board consumption—galley, laundry, HVAC and public spaces—supported by automation and crew/guest engagement. - Produce and store clean energy
Charge batteries in transit or in port (including shore connection where available), recover waste heat, and top up with renewables such as solar. - Switch to battery in the zone
Enter protected areas on silent battery‑electric power with optimised hotel load, hot water supplied from stored heat. - Depart with zero local impact
Conduct tender operations and departures on battery power; resume hybrid charging strategy outside the zone.
Designed around your operation
Every ULSTEIN ZED solution is tailored. We work with owners to model routes, guest activities and energy profiles, then select hull and propulsion options, auxiliary systems, storage capacity and alternative energy sources accordingly. Vessel design and operation are developed as a single program.
Who ULSTEIN ZED is for
- Expedition and destination‑focused operators seeking silent, zero‑emission day windows in fragile regions.
- Large‑ship brands aiming to future‑proof access to regulated ports and fjords while elevating ESG credentials.
- Newbuild projects wanting integrated zero‑emission capability from day one, and existing vessels adopting a pragmatic retrofit pathway.
Let’s talk. We’re here to help.
Have a question or an idea to share? Send us an email, give us a call, or fill out the form. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Runar Muren
- Description
- Managing Director
- Affiliation
- Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg
- Description
- Chief Designer
- Affiliation
- Ulstein International AS