PONANT shares carbon neutral ship concept for 2030

PONANT has shared plans for a new transoceanic ship as the cruise industry moves towards carbon neutrality. 

The French cruise ship operator's R&D team have created a concept – a project called "Swap2Zero" – that combines six technologies that it says will “redefine future navigation.”

The ship, which will be ready by 2030, aims to be a catalyst for new energy solutions for PONANT and the broader industry, the cruise company says.

While PONANT has chosen to work with naval architecture Stirling Design International, discussions are ongoing to select the shipyard for the delivery of this vastly evolved and cutting-edge vessel.

“By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, maneuvering, 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,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT, in a statement.

The next generation of eco-designed PONANT ships will be a key milestone in achieving a net zero emissions ambition, the company says.

The vessel will have around 100 staterooms, an overall length of 181 meters, and an “eco-design” approach.

“This is a major advancement in shipbuilding with selection of equipment and materials based on an analysis of their life cycle through to the recycling of waste,” the cruise line says.

The company has announced six decarbonization “technology building blocks.”

They include: 

• A sail power system and hull providing an average of 50 per cent of the propulsion energy using the force of the wind;
• A surface area totalling over 1,000m2 of photovoltaic panels, with new generation organic solar eco-designed devices integrated into the structures and sails;
• A low temperature fuel cell operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, with the water and heat produced being recycled;
• A high temperature fuel cell to meet the ship’s hotel load requirements, with the heat emitted being recovered and used to produce hot water;
• On-board carbon capture technology, coupled with the high temperature fuel cell;
• An innovative bespoke energy management system to control and distribute power without any generators being in service.

The "Swap2Zero" ship is also part of the PONANT SCIENCE program in line with the company’s commitment to scientists.

She will host researchers involved in decarbonization technologies, a major challenge in the battle to control global warming.

“PONANT is a company of sailors focused on exploration and innovation, and it is this pioneering spirit that is inspiring the whole Swap2Zero programme,” said Gastinel.

“This is much more than a new ship. We want to offer a new mode of navigation and actively contribute to decarbonization of the maritime sector. Our inhouse R&D team has brought together the best specialists in shipbuilding and renewable energy to imagine and develop an energy model that aims at zero emissions.”

"With Swap2Zero, we are building a French technological showcase to convince other stakeholders to commit to carbon neutral navigation.”

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.