Meyer Werft has announced a concept study for what it says is the world’s first 100% battery-powered cruise ship, the 88,000-ton Vision.

The ship will be 275 meters long and able to accommodate 1,856 passengers, with the battery system supplied by Corvus Energy.

According to a press release, the battery system will be able to cover a large portion of typical European cruise routes, for example the route from Barcelona to Civitavecchia near Rome.

“We asked ourselves how we can use innovation to reduce CO2 and contribute to decarbonization — not in 50 years, but much sooner. We enable a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 95%,” said Tim Krug from the Meyer Werft Concept Development Group.

Thomas Weigend, chief sales officer at Meyer Werft, added that the technology is readily available, so if ordered this year, the first ship could be delivered in 2031.

Around 100 ports across Europe are expected to offer the required charging infrastructure by 2030.

The company added that with customization, ships can also be built as hybrids with small generators, to enable transatlantic crossings.

Project Vision also introduces new architectural approaches to cruise ship design, Meyer Werft noted.

The vertical shaft running through the ship for exhaust treatment and the funnel, which usually occupies parts of the sun deck, can be eliminated, enabling unobstructed views.

The elimination of main engines is seen as another advantage, contributing to improving onboard comfort by reducing engine noise and vibrations.