Green cruising: One cruise operator is well on its way

French cruise ship operator, Ponant, is on its way towards achieving zero carbon emissions with its new-build transoceanic ship.

Swap2Zero: a new, green way to cruise

A new transoceanic cruise ship from Ponant aims to be a spark for new energy solutions for the cruising industry. The cruise ship will employ the Swap2Zero programme, a green concept which aims to greatly reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

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According to Travel News, the Swap2Zero concept combines six technologies: 

1. Sail power system and hull providing an average of 50% of the propulsion energy using wind power.
2. Surface area of over 1 000sqm of photovoltaic panels including new-generation organic, solar eco-designed devices integrated into structures and sails.
3. Low-temperature fuel cell operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion with the water and heat produced being recycled.
4. High-temperature fuel cell to meet the ship’s hotel load requirements with emitted heat being recovered and used to produce hot water.
5. On-board carbon capture technology coupled with the high temperature fuel cell.
6. Innovative bespoke energy management system to control and distribute power without generators.

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Hervé Gastinel, Ponant CEO, said that the 100-stateroom ship should be completed by 2030.

“By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, manoeuvring, in port or at anchor. 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,” Gastinel said.

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