[] November 30, 2023 []

The West Indian Company Ltd. welcomed Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova to the USVI on Tuesday. Silver Nova is the cruise industry’s first ship to use large-scale fuel cell technology, which is hydrogen-based and emission free.

“The cruise industry today is more aware of its impact on the environment, and is utilizing more green technology,” said Anthony A. Ottley, WICO President and CEO. “Silversea Cruises is a small cruise line making big strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Captained by Mino Pontillo, Silver Nova arrived at 8:00 a.m. from San Juan, Puerto Rico with 674 passengers and 535 crew. She departed for St. Barths at 3:00 p.m. The 18-day voyage originated in New York.

WICO President and CEO Anthony A. Ottley, right, welcomes Captain Mino Pontillo, left,
of Silversea Cruises Silver Nova. The ship made her inaugural visit to the USVI on Tuesday.

The vessel is Silversea Cruises’ first Evolution-class ship, and the 12th ship in the line’s fleet.

The cruise industry has until 2050 to convert to net-zero greenhouse emissions, a target set by the International Maritime Organization.

Silver Nova, built at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany at a cost of $206 million, made her maiden voyage in August 2023.

She is the third new cruise ship to berth at the WICO dock since October 1st, the start of the 2023/24 cruise season.

From the left: Stephen Crimes, Hotel Director, Silver Nova; Avery Lewis, Administrator St. Thomas/ Water Island;
Rita Mayers, Ship Agent, Virgin Port Services; Captain Pontillo, Silver Nova; RoseAnne Farrington, Deputy Commissioner,
USVI Department of Tourism; Anthony A. Ottley, WICO President and CEO; Joseph Francis, Chief of Security, WICO.