French luxury cruise line Ponant is making significant waves in sustainable tourism, reporting a substantial cut in its environmental footprint according to its newly released 2024 Sustainability Report.
Substantial Progress on Emissions and Waste
The report delivers compelling evidence of the company's green transition. Carbon dioxide emissions per cruise day across its exploration fleet were 14 per cent lower in 2024 than in 2018. This impressive reduction puts the company almost halfway towards its ambitious target of a 30 per cent cut by 2030.
This achievement stems from a concerted effort to improve fleet-wide energy efficiency and integrate alternative energy sources into its operations.
In a major win against plastic pollution, Ponant has completely eliminated single-use plastics from its ships. This was accomplished by producing drinking water directly from seawater onboard, removing the need for bottled water. This initiative alone prevents 20 tonnes of plastic waste from entering landfills each year.
Ambitious Future: The Swap2Zero Project
Looking ahead, Ponant is pushing the boundaries of naval design with its groundbreaking Swap2Zero project. Co-funded by the European Union’s Innovation Fund, this vessel represents a monumental leap towards the company's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The 181-metre-long ship, featuring approximately 100 cabins, is scheduled for launch around 2030. Developed in partnership with naval architecture firm Stirling Design International, Swap2Zero is an ambitious research and development project aiming for a transoceanic voyage with zero CO2-equivalent emissions.
Mathieu Petiteau, Ponant's Director of New Constructions and R&D, outlined the vision: "By 2030, our future ship is aiming for zero CO₂ in navigating, manoeuvring, docking and anchoring." He explained that the R&D team has devised a pioneering concept combining six breakthrough technologies, harnessing renewable energy from wind and sun, alongside fuel cells using decarbonised energy.
A Clear Path Forward
Onboard waste management has also been revolutionised. All waste is now systematically sorted, and the company collaborates with waste recovery specialists in every port it visits. Ponant is now targeting a 50 per cent waste recovery rate for recycling by 2026.
Wassim Daoud, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability for Ponant Explorations Group, stated, "Our 2024 Sustainability Report provides a clear picture of the progress we have made, as well as the road ahead. We are continuing on our path towards decarbonisation and are taking concrete steps to reduce our environmental impact."
This comprehensive approach, combining immediate fleet-wide improvements with long-term innovative projects like Swap2Zero, positions Ponant as a clear leader in the global movement towards responsible and sustainable luxury travel.
