Ponant supports IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille

Held every four years, the IUCN World Conservation Congress brings together leaders and government-level decision-makers, civil society, indigenous peoples, companies and academics to discuss challenges facing the planet.

Major decisions to protect nature and sustainable development are expected to come out of this 26th Congress.

Shared values

Ponant said it shares the IUCN Congress’s core values. The Marseille-based company is the first international cruise line member of the Alliance Verte environmental certification program and it has invested more than €1bn to build a modern 13-strong fleet of small capacity ships with reduced environmental impact, including the hybrid-electric, LNG-powered polar exploration ship Le Commandant Charcot.

Carbon emissions reduction and offsets

The company has also taken major steps to cut fuel consumption, such as reducing ships' speed, using biofuels and discontinuing HFO Jan. 1, 2019. The entire fleet’s carbon emissions are offset through Verified Carbon Standard-certified projects.

Among other environmental efforts, single-use plastics have been eliminated on board.