Ponant pledges 14th ship will have zero environmental impact

The goal is to deliver a ship that can combine several non-fossil fuel energy sources, including wind propulsion, by ‘integrating technological bricks.’

The scope of the work should conclude by the end of the year, with the preliminary plans then produced and technical specifications drawn up for a call for tenders.

Ponant intends to have the ship operational by 2025.

A new generation of ship

‘For several months now we’ve been working on a new, whole lifecycle concept ship to reduce her ecological footprint,’ explained Mathieu Petiteau, new building and R&D director, Ponant.

‘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.’

Technical and commercially relevant aspects have already been established.

R&D

In addition, Ponant’s R&D team is identifying and assessing options most likely to accelerate reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 across the fleet.

Structural modifications to ships plus new generation biofuels are being assessed, including green hydrogen, as well as the possibilities for wind and water propulsion.

The line is also working with other industries and contributing to various European research projects to develop and test new environmental technologies.