Silversea Cruises has announced the name of the first ship in its Project Evolution fleet expansion, several weeks after her steel cutting ceremony, which was held on November 18th.

Silver Nova is being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg and is the first of two planned newbuilds, which Silversea says will be the first hybrid, luxury cruise ships free of local emissions at port.

Roberto Martinoli and Jan Meyer

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Executives from Silversea and Meyer Werft held a traditional steel cutting ceremony for Silver Nova, which is set for delivery in summer 2023.

The ship will use fuel cells and batteries, while also being powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel, making her one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships in the world.

The new hybrid technology will enable Silver Nova to achieve a 40 percent overall reduction in her greenhouse gas emissions per double suite when compared to the Muse class, which is Silversea’s most recent class of newbuilds.

“Our Nova class ships represent a significant investment in unprecedented technological solutions,” said Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises. “They support our mission to preserve the planet without compromising on comfort or luxury.”

“Silver Nova is the manifestation of Silversea and Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term commitment to sustainability,” he added.

Bernard Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Werft, said the Silver Nova order was particularly important to the shipyard as it marks the first time Silversea has ordered from them.

“We are delighted to begin the construction of this innovative ship and to continue our long partnership with Royal Caribbean Group,” he said. “This day is a very special one for us, as it is the first time that a Silversea ship is being built at our shipyard.”

Silver Nova will be one of the most environmentally friendly ships ever built.

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In addition to her fuel cells, battery technology and LNG power plant, Silver Nova and her sister ships will also feature a micro auto gasification system, which reduces onboard waste volume, resulting in lower incineration emissions.

The class is also projected to achieve an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) rating approximately 25% better than applicable International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements.

Shore power will allow the ship to shut down its main generators at select ports and plug into the onshore energy supply, the company said.

The ship will have a capacity of 728 guests and a gross tonnage of 54,700 tons. She is scheduled for delivery in summer 2023, with onboard features and amenities to be announced in the coming months.