Meyer Turku has completed a net zero cruise ship concept developed under its AVATAR project, achieving more than 90 percent reduction in lifecycle carbon footprint compared to the baseline defined by the International Maritime Organization.

The concept was developed as part of NEcOLEAP, Meyer Turku’s four-year research and development program co-funded by Business Finland, according to the company.

“AVATAR has provided a solid foundation for our development work,” said Anu Ahola, chief strategy and transformation officer at Meyer Turku.

“We now have a substantial portfolio of new ideas, tools and next-generation ship technologies.”

The concept vessel incorporates technologies and solutions expected to be technologically viable and available by 2030.

More experimental or early-stage technologies were deliberately excluded.

“No single solution is enough, for example, simply switching fuels will not achieve the desired impact,” said Liina Vahala, head of product development at Meyer Turku. “A net zero vessel concept is the sum of many complementary measures.”

The design emphasizes a more streamlined and lightweight structure, as well as improved energy efficiency of onboard spaces.

More energy efficient air-handling units reduce heating and cooling power demand on cabin decks by approximately 50 percent.

The chosen fuel is bio-methanol.

The concept vessel also utilizes wind-assisted propulsion technology and solar panels.

Sustainable materials and optimized use of space further contribute to reducing the vessel’s total lifecycle emissions.

A dynamic energy simulation model, a digital twin, was used to evaluate the impact of different design choices across the entire energy system.