Ponant unveils ground-breaking new ship destined to change sustainable sailing

Ponant unveils ground-breaking new ship destined to change sustainable sailing
By Zach Havard


Continuing to pioneer in maritime innovation, Ponant has committed to a uniquely designed transoceanic ship, supporting the evolution towards carbon neutrality.

The company’s R&D team have come up with a pioneering concept that combines six ground-breaking technologies that will redefine future navigation.

The sailing ship, which will be ready by 2030, aims to be a catalyst for new energy solutions for Ponant and the broader industry.

Whilst Ponant has chosen to join forces once again with naval architecture Stirling Design International, discussions are ongoing to select the shipyard for the delivery of this vastly evolved and cutting-edge vessel.

Its an interesting look when the sails are drawn. (Supplied)

A technological revolution that puts sustainability at the heart of the project “By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, manoeuvring, in port or at anchor,” CEO, Ponant Global, Hervé Gastinel, said. 

“Her carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her life cycle. Renewable energy supplied by the wind and sun will be combined with low-carbon non-fossil energy associated with fuel cells.”

The next generation of eco-designed Ponant ships will be a key milestone in achieving our net zero emissions ambition. With around a hundred staterooms and a length overall of 181m, Ponant’s future sailing ship is paving the way for a new era for the maritime industry.

In line with new European and international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, Ponant is adopting an unprecedented eco-design approach.

This is a major advancement in shipbuilding with a selection of equipment and materials based on an analysis of their life cycle through to the recycling of waste.

Ponant heads up project with strong replicability potential to speed up decarbonisation of the shipbuilding industry Swap2Zero aims for zero CO2 eq emissions in operation, with one month autonomy by being the first to combine six major decarbonisation technology building blocks:

  1. A sail power system and hull providing an average of 50% of the propulsion energy using the force of the wind;
  2. A surface area totalling over 1,000m2 of photovoltaic panels, with new generation organic solar eco-designed devices integrated into the structures and sails;
  3.  A low temperature fuel cell operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, with the water and heat produced being recycled;
  4.  A high temperature fuel cell to meet the ship’s hotel load requirements, with the heat emitted being recovered and used to produce hot water;
  5.  On-board carbon capture technology, coupled with the high temperature fuel cell;
  6. An innovative bespoke energy management system to control and distribute power without any generators being in service. The Swap2Zero ship is also part of the PONANT SCIENCE programme in line with our commitment to scientists. She will host researchers involved in decarbonisation technologies, a major challenge in the battle to control global warming.

Latest News

  • Cruise

P&O rescues Rotary volunteers after collapse of Air Vanuatu

P&O Cruises Australia has answered a plea for help from a group of young Australian Rotary volunteers, stranded in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The students, many of them teenagers from Albury, NSW, were volunteering for a youth project run by the Hive Rotary Club Australia when the airline abruptly cancelled all flights, […]

  • Destinations

Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan

Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. Zina Bencheikh, managing […]

  • Appointments

Minor hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan to key Asia role

Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report […]

  • Appointments

Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal appoint Evon Ler to director of sales, Asia

Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group have announced that Evon Ler will join them in the new role of director of sales, Asia. She will work closely with Tony Archbold (VP, Sales, APAC, Crystal) and Susan Haberle (VP, Sales & Partnerships, APAC, A&K) with trade support across the region. Ler comes to the A&K family with more […]