Northern Xplorer has already signed a Letter of Intent with Portugal’s West Sea shipyard to build a first 140-metre-long zero-emission cruise ship powered by hydrogen fuel cells and batteries. Now, YSA Design has joined the project and will deliver the general arrangement.
Northern Xplorer (NX) wants to build the world’s first zero-emission cruise ship and hopes to have the vessel in service during the 2026 cruise season. So far, the company has partnered with Axel Brox for the interior design and Multi Maritime that developed a design for stability and performance
YSA Design has now joined the project as well. The Oslo-based design firm will take oversight of key aspects of project development, helping to convert the visionary concept into reality.
‘As coordinating architect, YSA Design is developing the GA (general arrangement, ed.), and offering layouts and renderings in close cooperation with designer Axel Brox,’ says Trond Sigurdsen, Senior Architect, YSA Design. ‘With his out- of-the-box thinking on designing for hospitality, he is a breath of fresh air. Drawing on nearly forty years of cruise experience, we are also developing the quality assurance for future construction plans.’
Also read: Northern Xplorer and West Sea reveal plans for world’s first zero-emission cruise ship
Life cycle planning
Designers have been tasked with specifying reusable materials from Scandinavia, where possible, which should also be recyclable. Life cycle planning for key materials is also considered an important element in the building process.
Other standout features will include YSA Design’s solution for the observation deck and lounge, where attention has been given to maximise dramatic panoramic views, even when the ship is close to steep mountains in narrow fjords.
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