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Objective: zero impact on navigation for the 14th ship of PONANT

Objective: zero impact on navigation for the 14th ship of PONANT

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True to its pioneering spirit, PONANT continues to explore technological options for more sustainable tourism. After the launch of Le Commandant Charcot last year, the first high polar exploration vessel hybrid electric powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the R&D team is developing a concept for an eco-designed cruise ship with no environmental impact during navigation.True to its pioneering spirit, PONANT continues to explore technological options for more sustainable tourism. After the launch of Le Commandant Charcot last year, the first high polar exploration vessel hybrid electric powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the R&D team is developing a concept for an eco-designed cruise ship with no environmental impact during navigation.
President of PONANT

Hervé Gastinel

"This new highly technological ship will be a sailboat. As there always needs to be dual propulsion, this one will also be innovative, probably with fuel cells."

Soon a 14th eco-designed ship for zero-impact navigation

Committed to a more responsible tourism, PONANT is dedicated to reducing the environmental footprint of its activity, preserving marine ecosystems, and supporting scientific research. For the next ship, the fourteenth of the fleet, the company aims for navigation with zero impact on the environment. The technical and commercial design criteria of this new ship are defined in consultation with various departments.

The objective is to deliver a ship capable of combining various non-fossil energy sources, including sail propulsion, through the integration of technological components. The specifications will be established by the end of 2022, then detailed in the form of preliminary plans and a technical specification submitted for tender. The goal is to start operating by 2025.

Director of New Constructions and Research & Development at PONANT

Mathieu Petiteau

"We have been working for several months on a new ship concept with a reduced ecological footprint throughout its lifecycle. We are assessing all potential impacts: emissions into the atmosphere, into the water, microplastics, radiated noise, social and human impacts. Like Le Commandant Charcot, it will also be a tool for scientists. It is a whole new generation of ship that we must now design, and we will rise to the challenge."

PONANT ramps up R&D to drive the ecological and energy transition

This 14th ship project is in line with PONANT’s six environmental commitments, one being to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. After the launch of Le Commandant Charcot, the company continues striving to minimise its ships carbon footprint. The R&D team’s mission is to identify and assess options most likely to accelerate the ecological and energy transition across the whole fleet.

In terms of energy efficiency and optimisation, structural modifications to ships and protecting ecosystems, there are many avenues to explore and progress. New generation biofuels are being assessed, like green hydrogen, as well as the possibilities for wind and water propulsion. PONANT is working with other industries and contributing to various European research projects to develop and test these technologies. As a company committed to more responsible tourism and meaningful exploration voyages for over 30 years, PONANT puts R&D at the core of its growth strategy to meet both the ecological challenges and demands of its customers and offer them new inspiring experiences.

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