True to its pioneering spirit, the cruise company PONANT continues to explore technology options for more sustainable tourism.
After the 2021 launch of Le Commandant Charcot icebreaker (hybrid-electric/LNG-powered), PONANT's R&D team is now working on an eco-design cruise ship that is due to have no impact on the environment when operating.
Committed to responsible tourism, the French ultra-luxury travel company strives to reduce the environmental footprint of its ships, support scientific research, and protect marine ecosystems. For its next cruise ship, 14th in the fleet, the goal of the company is to have no impact on the environment when operating.
Mathieu Petiteau (New Building and R&D Director at PONANT) said that for several months now they had been "working on a new whole life cycle concept ship to reduce her ecological footprint."
"We’re assessing all the potential impacts: discharges into the atmosphere and water, microplastics, noise levels, and social and human impacts. As with Le Commandant Charcot, she will also be available to scientists. A total new generation ship needs to be designed and we intend to deliver it.”
The technical and commercial criteria of the newbuild have been established in consultation with the relevant departments. The aim is to deliver a vessel that can combine a number of non-fossil fuel energy sources, such as wind propulsion, through integrating technological bricks. The scope of works should be ready by the end of 2022, with the preliminary plans produced and technical specifications drawn up for the call for tenders.
The goal is to have the vessel up and sailing by 2025.