Decarbonized energies: Ponant at the forefront
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25/09/2023
Le Champlain, an expedition yacht from the PONANT Explorers series, has taken on biodiesel B100 which is 100% produced from recycled cooking oil, during a technical stop in Cherbourg in september 2023.As the first French cruise line to test this new generation of biofuels, PONANT continues to progress its sustainability and decarbonisation strategy, in particular its commitment to reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% per navigation day by 20301.
Mathieu Petiteau
"This first test is part of our roadmap because the carbon footprint of these biofuels is infinitely lower than conventional fuels, with a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions.
"They are produced from used cooking oils, directly usable in engines and available now. We want to demonstrate that they represent a credible alternative to contribute to the decarbonisation of the PONANT fleet and the entire maritime sector."
A biofuel with certified performance
The B100 supported by Le Champlain is produced in France, using cooking oils collected within the country from agri–food industries, collective catering, and food service professions. It is distributed by ALTENS, the leading French supplier of non-fossil alternative fuels for the transport sector. The entire production chain of B100 biofuels is ISCC certified, an internationally recognised sustainability standard by the European Union, ensuring the traceability of raw materials.
Objective: use of biofuels across the entire fleet
Le Champlain is equipped with a Wartsila engine that validates its use in existing diesel engines as drop-in fuel. Generating CO2 emissions that are 90% lower than fossil fuels, it exceeds European requirements for 2035.
In accordance with the legislation, this first bunkering will be accompanied by a series of tests to validate, in particular, that NOx emissions remain compliant with regulatory specifications. Measurement of SOx emissions, particles, and black carbon will also be carried out. Once this step is completed, PONANT plans to extend its use to the entire fleet, subject to supply capacities.
Altens
Leading French supplier of a range of alternative fuels
Altens is, above all, a provider of decarbonisation solutions. Thanks to a wide range of products, companies can choose the most suitable biofuel for their needs, environmental ambitions, technical constraints, as well as administrative requirements (taxation, REDIII, SFE, CII, fuelEU Maritime). Fully committed to ecological transition, Altens informs users about existing solutions, raises awareness among decision-makers, and contributes to the training of alternative fuel specifiers.