Ponant Sets Sail with Innovative Carbon Neutral Ship Design

The French Cruise line Ponant has announced its newest ship, which will launch by 2030. This exciting development will be completely carbon-neutral with the help of new cutting-edge technology.

As part of the cruise line’s expansive Swap2Zero initiative, the company aimed to introduce a vessel that seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technological solutions with eco-friendly elements to pursue sustainable practices. Including a new sail power system with a hull design, meaning 50% of propulsion energy from the ship comes from the wind.

Additionally integrated into the ship’s design are 1,000 square meters of solar panels, cutting-edge carbon capture technology, a revolutionary energy management system, and fuel cells specifically engineered to operate in varying temperatures.

With around 100 cabins, this ship stands out for its smaller size compared to other Ponant line vessels. Capitalizing on the benefits of their intimate cruise line, Ponant presents extraordinary voyages to exclusive destinations that larger cruise ships cannot reach, including the breathtaking Antarctic and the enchanting Magnetic North Pole.

Herve Gastinel, CEO of Ponant, stated: “By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, manoeuvring, in port, or at anchor. Her carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her life cycle. Renewable energy supplied by the wind and sun will be combined with low-carbon, non-fossil energy associated with fuel cells”.

He continued to say, “Ponant is a company of sailors focused on exploration and innovation, and it is this pioneering spirit that is inspiring the whole Swap2Zero programme,” added Gastinel. “This is much more than a new ship. We want to offer a new mode of navigation and actively contribute to the decarbonization of the maritime sector”.