Ponant reveals new zero-emission cruise ship concept

French cruise ship operator Ponant has unveiled its new cruise ship design that intends to cut greenhouse gas emissions while sailing and at port.

PHOTO: Ponant’s Swap2Zero cruise ship concept. Ponant

The concept cruise ship, dubbed Swap2Zero, will be equipped with a wind propulsion system and a hull that can provide around 50% of the energy required to propel the ship, Ponant claims. It will also have fuel cells powered by liquid hydrogen to help in propulsion.

The concept design features photovoltaic panels and fuel cells to address the ship’s hotel load requirements along with an energy management system to control and distribute power. It will also use onboard carbon capture technology to help reduce emissions, Ponant says.

“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,” Ponant’s chief executive Hervé Gastinel says.

Ponant has developed the concept in collaboration with naval architect Stirling Design International. However, it hasn’t yet selected a shipyard to build the ship.

The company expects the vessel to be ready by 2030.

By Tuhin Roy

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