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Ponant unfurls carbon-neutral design with sails, solar panels, fuel cells

Ponant unveiled what it called a pioneering design for its next-generation cruise ship that would produce zero CO2 equivalent emissions.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

July 5, 2023

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

That means zero well to wheel CO2 equivalent emissions, taking into account CO2, methane and nitrogen oxides.

Ponant looks to launch a 181-meter/594-foot sailing vessel with approximately 100 staterooms to be delivered by 2030. The ship would have one-month autonomy.

CRUISE Ponant 1

Ayro Oceanwings

In its talks with yards, the company is considering two sail propulsion systems, Ayro Oceanwings and Solid Sail, both French designs. Solid Sail was developed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

CRUISE Ponant 2

Solid Sail, a Chantiers de l'Atlantique concept

Swap2Zero

The Swap2Zero concept, developed by Ponant's research and development team, combines six technologies the company said will be a catalyst for new energy solutions for itself and the broader industry.

'By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, maneuvering, in port or at anchor. Her carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her lifecycle. Renewable energy supplied by the wind and sun will be combined with low-carbon non-fossil energy associated with fuel cells,' Ponant CEO Hervé Gastinel said.

Noting that Ponant is a company of sailors 'focused on exploration and innovation,' Gastinel said: 'This is much more than a new ship. We want to offer a new mode of navigation and actively contribute to decarbonization of the maritime sector. Our in-house R&D team has brought together the best specialists in shipbuilding and renewable energy to imagine and develop an energy model that aims at zero emissions. 

'With Swap2Zero, we are building a French technological showcase to convince other stakeholders to commit to carbon neutral navigation.'

Six building blocks

Swap2Zero's six major decarbonization technology building blocks include a sail power system and hull providing an average 50% of the propulsion energy using the force of the wind.

There will be more than 1,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels with new generation organic solar eco-designed devices integrated into the structures and sails.

A low temperature fuel cell will operate on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, with the water and heat produced being recycled.

A high temperature fuel cell will meet the ship’s hotel load requirements, with the heat emitted being recovered and used to produce hot water.

On-board carbon capture technology will be coupled with the high temperature fuel cell.

An innovative bespoke energy management system will control and distribute power without any generators being in service.

Stirling Design International

The naval architects are from longtime Ponant partner Stirling Design International.

The Swap2Zero ship is part of Ponant's science program in line with the company’s commitment to host researchers involved in decarbonization technologies.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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