The ship is equipped with a sail covered with foldable solar panels

French company Selar introduces the cruise ship Captain Arctic with foldable solar panel sails, allowing the ship to exploit and use both wind and solar energy, Design Boom reported on November 7. When it is not possible to exploit both sources during the journey, the ship’s two propeller shafts can produce energy and operate as hydroelectric turbines.

Looking from the outside, Captain Arctic has 5 35 m high sails. They are made of aluminum, helping to withstand harsh weather conditions, and are covered with 2,000 m2 of solar cells. Thanks to these energy sources, the ship is expected to significantly reduce, or even zero, carbon emissions.

Selar’s cruise ship is 70 meters long with a capacity of 36 passengers and 24 crew members. This vehicle moves at a fairly low speed and aims to emit 90% less than most boats in the area. This is partly thanks to specialized systems on board such as organic food waste processors and treatment tanks that turn dirty water into drinking water. Captain Arctic is also equipped with an automatic water production system for passengers on board, meaning the ship generates its own fresh water from the sea using reverse osmosis.

As the name suggests, the Captain Arctic ship will take passengers to explore the Arctic regions, specifically Norway, Svalbard and Greenland. While sailing around these areas, the ship’s interior can keep passengers and crew warm, from natural light streaming through bedroom window blinds to solar-powered showers in bathrooms. When arriving in very cold areas, the ship will use recycled waste wood pellets for the boiler to heat the interior.

Amenities on board are also very complete. There is a gym and sauna for passengers to use at any time of the day. They can also participate in many other activities such as navigating through sea ice with the captain, practicing yoga, fishing with the chef, cold water diving, whale watching, and even aurora viewing if the timing is right. The dining space resembles the style of an old-fashioned diner with long back chairs and elegant colors.

Each expedition lasts 7 – 13 days. Selar has now opened bookings for trips starting November 2026.