TORONTO — Ponant says its paving the way towards zero carbon navigation with its new-build ship.

The cruise line says its research and development team’s pioneering concept combines six new technologies that will redefine future navigation. In line with new European and international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, Ponant is adopting what it says is an unprecedented eco-design approach.

The ship, which could be ready by 2030, could be a catalyst for new energy solutions for the cruise line and the cruise industry, according to Ponant.

“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,” says Ponant CEO, Hervé Gastinel.

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

The ship is expected to have some 100 staterooms. The vessel’s length will be approximately 181 meters. The Swap2Zero ship is also part of the Ponant Science program in line with the company’s commitment to scientists. The ship will host researchers involved in decarbonization technologies, a major challenge in the battle to control global warming.

Swap2Zero is aiming for zero CO2 eq. emissions in operation. The six major decarbonization technology building blocks are …

• A sail power system and hull providing an average of 50% 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

“Ponant is a company of sailors focused on exploration and innovation, and it is this pioneering spirit that is inspiring the whole Swap2Zero program,” says 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.”