![]() Silver Nova at Meyer Werft | |
History | |
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Name | Silver Nova |
Operator | Silversea Cruises |
Port of registry | Nassau, ![]() |
Builder | Meyer Werft |
Yard number | S.719 |
Launched | 28 April 2023 |
Christened | 4 January 2024 by Nina Compton |
Maiden voyage | 14 August 2023 |
Identification |
|
Status | In service |
General characteristics | |
Type | Cruise ship |
Tonnage | 54,700 GT |
Length | 244.2 m (801 ft 2 in) |
Beam | 29.6 m (97 ft 1 in) |
Decks | 9 total |
Speed | 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph) |
Capacity | 728 passengers |
Crew | 556 |
Silver Nova is a luxury cruise ship, the 12th ship in service with Silversea Cruises. She was ordered in 2018 and completed in 2023. Nova is the first ship in the company's new Evolution-class, and designed with the intent of environmentally friendly cruising. It is the first hybrid luxury cruise ship, powered by a combination of liquefied natural gas (LNG), fuel cell system, and batteries, enabling it to be emissions free when in port. [1] The ship was built at a Meyer Werft in Germany, featuring a unique asymmetrical design. [2]
The Silver Nova was ordered in October 2018 from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, under the name Project Evolution, the first of two ships. It was part of a new ship order under Royal Caribbean, who had acquired a two-thirds stake in the company from Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio earlier in the year. [3] The final ship design dimensions came to a gross tonnage: 54,700, length of 243 meters and 30 meters wide.
The ship features hybrid technology that enables the ship to achieve a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and is projected to achieve an Energy Efficiency Design Index rating approximately 25% better than applicable International Maritime Organization requirements. [4] The Silver Nova is designed to operate emission-free in ports, with 4-megawatt fuel cell system as well as batteries. [5] The fuel cells and batteries are designed to supply enough electricity in port to power the hotel operations when the ship is not using shore power. [6]
The public space layout and design was primarily completed by notable cruise ship designers Wilson Butler Architects of Boston and GEM of Genoa. [7] The layout features a unique asymmetrical design, offsetting the engine casing, and allowing for wider connected views to the ocean on the open decks and in public venues. [2] The final ship design has accommodations for 728 passengers in 364 suites and has a crew of 556.
Construction on Silver Nova began in 2021, with the traditional steel cutting ceremony on November 18 in Papenburg at the Meyer Werft shipyard. [8] The ship was floated out on April 28, 2023, and transited the Ems river for final fit out at Eemshaven, Netherlands, on 5 June. [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] In the same month, she wraps up for her sea trials. [14]
The Silver Nova was delivered to Silversea cruises on July 20, 2023, at the 12th ship in the Silversea fleet. [15] A preview press cruise was held beginning in Trieste, Italy, with the official maiden voyage schedule for August 14, 2023. [16] [17] [18] [19] The ship was officially christened in Ft Lauderdale, Florida on January 4, 2024, by godmother Chef Nina Compton. [20] The christening was conducted in the Venetian Lounge, and began with the Royal Caribbean Group tradition of bagpipes, along with Broadway actress/singer Rachel York performed the national anthem. The event also coincided with Silversea's 30th Anniversary. [21]
The sister ship of the Silver Nova, the Silver Ray, was launched in February 2024. [22] [23] [24] [25] She was delivered in May [26] [27] [28] [29] and christened on 12 June in Lisbon. [30] [31] [32]