Silversea Cruises has revealed that the first Project Evolution ship will be called Silver Nova.

Construction on the 728-guest vessel has started at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg.

Silver Nova is set to be delivered in summer 2023 and will be the “first hybrid, luxury cruise ship free of local emissions at port”, the line said.

It will use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel. The new hybrid technology will allow the ship to achieve a 40 per cent overall reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions per double suite, when compared to its previous class of ships (the Muse class), Silversea said.

Shore power will also enable Silver Nova to shut down its main generators at select ports and plug into the onshore energy supply, thereby cutting on-board local emissions to zero.

Silversea Cruises president and CEO Roberto Martinoli said: “Our Nova class ships represent a significant investment in unprecedented technological solutions. They support our mission to preserve the planet without compromising on comfort or luxury.

“Silver Nova is the manifestation of Silversea and Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term commitment to sustainability.”

Silversea chief commercial officer Barbara Muckermann said: “Sustainability is the future of luxury travel and the name Silver Nova is representative of the incredible innovation of Silversea’s luxury.

“Silversea is already a leader in environmentally conscious travel and now, with Silver Nova, we will go even further to meet the expectations of both today’s and tomorrow’s luxury traveller.”

Mayer Werft MD Bernard Meyer added: “We are delighted to begin the construction of this innovative ship and to continue our long partnership with Royal Caribbean Group.

“This day is a very special one for us, as it is the first time that a Silversea ship is being built at our shipyard.”

Members of Silversea’s loyalty programme, the Venetian Society, and travel agents will have pre-sale access for Silver Nova from 16 December 2021. General sales will open on 6 January 2022.