As the competition intensifies to develop a carbon-neutral cruise ship, the reality of such vessels setting sail still seems a distant goal. Hurtigruten’s Sea Zero serves as a model for zero-emissions cruising along Norway’s coast, aiming for a launch by 2030. This coincides with Ponant’s plans to introduce a transatlantic sailing ship that will emit no greenhouse gases while underway or in port during the same year.
However, a new contender has emerged in the industry, poised to make waves by 2026. Selar, a French polar expedition company, is constructing what it describes as a “close-to-zero-emissions” sailing vessel, which will harness natural elements for power. This ship, still unnamed, is being built at the CNOI (Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien) in Mauritius and will primarily use solar and wind energy to navigate the Arctic waters. Its superstructure will feature five solid sails adorned with 20,000 square feet of solar panels.
Measuring 230 feet in length, the vessel will accommodate up to 36 passengers across 19 cabins. The initial voyage, titled “Dive with Orcas in Norway,” is scheduled for November 2026 and will feature flexible itineraries, allowing for what the company describes as “spontaneous adventures.” This approach will enable the ship to adapt its course based on wildlife sightings and prevailing weather conditions.
Sophie Galvagnon, cofounder and CEO of Selar, shares with Robb Report her expectation that the ship will operate on solar and wind power approximately 90% of the time, with the remaining 10% relying on two backup engines fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Galvagnon, who made history as the youngest woman to command a polar expedition ship at 26, is a key driving force behind this innovative project, alongside fellow French entrepreneurs Julia Bijaoui and Quentin Vacher.
Galvagnon’s passion for the Arctic runs deep; she feels a stronger connection to this region than to her home in France. She recognizes that traditional polluting ships have adversely impacted this precious environment. “I realized it was not okay to feel guilty about destroying the place I love the most on earth,” she reflects. “I was convinced that there could be an alternative.”
Rather than aiming for a zero-emissions vessel that could travel anywhere in the world, Selar has designed a ship specifically suited for Arctic exploration. Consequently, the sails are tailored for regional navigation rather than transatlantic journeys. Galvagnon notes that “soft sails with a higher surface would be better for that,” highlighting the specialized design for destinations like Svalbard.
“Given the unpredictable climate, we needed to create sails that are both sturdy and easy to operate, as weather conditions can shift rapidly,” she explains. “Additionally, we aimed to harness solar energy, especially during the six months when the sun is continuously visible.”
The ship’s sails, crafted by an in-house design team, draw significant inspiration from aviation. “The sail profiles are identical to those of airplane wings,” Galvagnon states. “We’ve rigged them up, added solar panels, and ensured they can fold down during inclement weather or if we need to pass under a bridge.”
Internally, the ship features a minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes sustainable materials. Among the luxurious amenities, which include a restaurant, library, and eco-friendly sauna, is a science lab designed for researchers. Scientists will be invited as guests, further enhancing the ship’s educational and exploratory purpose.
Galvagnon is pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of what Selar aims to achieve. “When we first discovered this solution, I thought it was so straightforward that there had to be something wrong,” she admits. She believes that perhaps the industry has been looking too far into the future. “Our focus has been on solutions available now and on a long-term scale,” she adds.
As the captain of the inaugural voyage, Galvagnon envisions this vessel as the first of many zero-emission ships. “We don’t intend to remain a single-ship company,” she declares. “Our goal is to expand the fleet while maintaining our mission: to achieve as close to zero carbon as possible, offer adventurous and immersive experiences, and operate local ships that focus solely on one region.”
Through this innovative approach, Selar aims to redefine the future of sustainable travel in the Arctic. With the combination of cutting-edge technology and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the company is set to lead the way in eco-friendly exploration, providing an unforgettable experience for passengers while prioritizing the health of the planet. As the cruise industry evolves, Selar stands at the forefront, proving that sustainability and adventure can coexist harmoniously on the high seas.
