Newly established Norwegian cruise venture Northern Xplorer and Portuguese shipbuilder West Sea have signed a letter of intent for the construction of the company’s first emission-free vessel.

The 250-passenger ship will be built at West Sea’s facility in Viana do Costello north of Porto, with expected delivery at the start of the 2025/26 cruise season.

The vessel’s design features ABB’s fully electric propulsion system, including battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology that will enable to it to sail emission-free in the Norwegian fjords after the ban on fossil fuel powered ships comes into force in 2026.

“This is a new milestone on our journey towards emission-free cruising,” said Northern Xplorer (NX) founder and CEO Rolf André Sandvik.

“Having approached yards worldwide for tenders, we’re delighted to be embarking on this exciting project with West Sea. They are a modern, professional yard with a good track record.”

West Sea manager Vitor Figueiredo added: “As a shipbuilder focused on advanced vessels and high quality, we very much look forward to working together with Northern Xplorer.

“We’re proud to be taking a lead in building such an innovative and technology advanced vessel of a high standard that will have minimal impact on the environment.”