The German Meyer Group, which says it is currently building new vessels that set new standards in cruise design and technology, has come up with a concept idea of what a cruise vessel could look like in the year 2100.
Meyer has started construction of its first green methanol- ready vessel, expected to eventually be near to climate neutral thanks to an innovative fuel concept with low-emission LNG, a fuel cell system and batteries. In another project, the Silver Nova’s fuel cell system is expected to provide a substantial part of the onboard energy needs on board. Looking to the future, Meyer has come up with the ‘reverse’ concept for its future vessel, said to be externally inspired by the rock penguin and thus particularly aerodynamic. Externally equipped with a closed glass facade and urban garden areas as well as drone landing pads, central public areas form the focal point inside the ship, while a cabin structure detached from the outer hull, enables efficient modular manufacturing methods.
Tim Krug, Head of Concept Development, Meyer Group said: “The ship is based on global megatrends and is one – but not the only – logical response to them,. For example, we have only provided for small restaurant areas that serve more as social meeting places because we imagine that a large part of the nutrients will be consumed in concentrated form like pills. From today’s point of view, we sometimes come up with extreme approaches, but it is equally important to think them through and develop answers from them.”
The energy concept on board also relies the use of wave energy through horizontal wings on the hull, solar and fuel cells as well as wind energy, which means it will manage without fossil fuels.
The model of the ‘Reverse’ has been made largely from sustainable materials. 90% of the materials used are recycled or can be recycled without leaving any residue, an idea which could carry through to the full-side version. The model also already has a functioning fuel cell powered by methanol to supply energy for lighting.
