Harri Kulovaara, RCCL’ s chief of ship design, believes that fuel cells offer very interesting design possibilities.
“ Our common aim is to develop fuel cells to a level that allows their usage in a significant application to power the ship’ s hotel functions,” outlines Meyer.
TRENDING TECH
The introduction of fuel cells represents another dramatic step forward for the maritime industry, which has, so far, made only limited experiments using the technology. Harri Kulovaara, RCCL’ s chief of ship design, believes that fuel cells offer very interesting design possibilities. As the technology becomes smaller and more efficient, fuel cells become more viable in a significant way to power the ship’ s hotel functions.
“ We will begin testing those possibilities as soon as we can, and look to maximise their use when Icon class debuts.”
Royal Caribbean has been eyeing fuel cells for nearly a decade, and the company believes the technology is now at a stage of development that justifies investment. Kulovaara points out that there is a long lead time for Icon class, and RCCL will use that time to work with Meyer Turku to adapt fuel cell technology for maritime use. Additional regulatory standards also need to be developed for the technology, somewhere down the road.
But what other goods will the ship with the big bold name entail? RCCL says that many of the Icon design elements are in very early stages, due to the extralong pipeline. The Icon ships are“ likely” to accommodate approximately 5,000 passengers, but details are still being worked out. Icon is the first new ship class announced by RCCL since Celebrity Cruises’ new Edge class, which debuts in 2018.
SMOOTH SAILING
With the new orders, Meyer Turku shipyard pushes past all previous achievements – including the“ Golden Age”( 2007 – 2009) which saw the construction of the world’ s largest cruise ships, Oasis and Allure of the Seas. As the order book now spans eight years, the shipyard can enjoy a level of sta-
18 seatec 1 / 2017