Renowned for its maritime innovations, PONANT is embarking on a new venture: a cutting-edge, zero-emission ship that aims to set a precedent for the future of sustainable seafaring. In collaboration with naval architecture experts Stirling Design International, the company seeks to revolutionize the industry by developing a ship that relies entirely on renewable energy sources.
Designed to accommodate approximately one hundred rooms within its 181-meter length, PONANT’s novel sailing ship is not merely a leap towards eco-friendly navigation. It embodies a significant step towards aligning the maritime industry with global greenhouse gas emission regulations. The vessel will pioneer advanced technologies, from low-carbon fuel cells to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
PONANT paves the way towards zero carbon navigation with its iconic newbuild ship
“At PONANT, our vision for 2030 is a vessel that emits zero greenhouse gases whether in motion, berthed, or anchored. We’re integrating renewable wind and solar energy with low-carbon, non-fossil energy from fuel cells to reduce her carbon footprint throughout her lifecycle,” says Global CEO Hervé Gastinel.
In an ambitious project called “Swap2Zero”, PONANT aims to develop a ship that combines six major decarbonization technologies, becoming a leading example for the entire shipbuilding industry:
- An innovative sail power system and hull designed to harness wind energy, providing up to 50% of the propulsion power.
- Over 1,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels, including new-generation organic solar devices integrated into the ship’s structures and sails.
- A low-temperature fuel cell operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, with water and heat by-products recycled for reuse.
- A high-temperature fuel cell is meeting the ship’s load requirements, with waste heat captured and repurposed for hot water production.
- Onboard carbon capture technology, coupled with the high-temperature fuel cell.
- A bespoke energy management system designed to distribute power without any active generators.
The pioneering ship also aligns with PONANT’s SCIENCE initiative, which supports scientists working on decarbonization technologies – a crucial area in the fight against global warming.
“This isn’t just a new ship. With Swap2Zero, we aim to offer a new mode of navigation and make a significant contribution towards decarbonizing the maritime sector. Our in-house R&D team, together with the best specialists in shipbuilding and renewable energy, is working to develop an energy model targeting zero emissions. This project exemplifies French technological innovation, and we hope it inspires others to commit to carbon-neutral navigation,” added Gastinel.
The Swap2Zero ship, set to debut in 2030, signifies PONANT’s commitment to pioneering the journey towards carbon-neutral navigation. With its extraordinary design and cutting-edge technology, the vessel is a testament to the fact that sustainability and innovation can be at the core of travel, paving the way for a greener future for the maritime industry.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
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