PONANT has been selected to receive support from INNOVFUND for its Swap2Zero project, the first transoceanic vessel aiming for carbon neutrality. This funding from the European Commission is earmarked for the development of an innovative mix of renewable energy sources to achieve its decarbonization goals.
This aid, granted by the European Commission and financed by the revenues of the Community Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), is one of the world's largest financing programs for the deployment of innovative low-carbon energy technologies.
This decision marks a milestone in the recognition that PONANT is receiving for its efforts to accelerate the transition towards decarbonization of the cruise sector and
highlights the commitment of the entire industry sector that is mobilizing in France to
anticipate the challenges of decarbonization planned for 2050.
This initiative has also received the support of the French Government and BPI1 within the framework of the CORIMER 20232 calls for expressions of interest, whose ambition is fully aligned with the objectives set by France 2030 and CORIMER's "Green Ship" roadmap, aimed at accelerating transformations and the deployment of
technological solutions in the maritime industry.
“Receiving this grant is a very encouraging message for the teams working on this ambitious decarbonization project. With the Swap2Zero project, we are building a showcase of French technology around the first operational zero-emission vessel,” says Patrick Augier, Secretary General of PONANT.
This grant validates years of research and development driven by PONANT's R&D and New Construction engineers, orchestrated by Director Mathieu Petiteau. It confirms the Swap2Zero project, which aims to achieve zero CO2 emissions while operating for one month, thanks to six pioneering decarbonization technologies:
1. A sail propulsion system and hull that provide 50% of the propulsion energy using wind power;
2. A total surface area of over 1,000 m2 of state-of-the-art, eco-designed photovoltaic panels produced in France;
3. A low-temperature fuel cell that runs on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, water, and heat production;
4. A high-temperature fuel cell to meet the ship's hotel cargo needs, recovering emitted heat and using it to produce hot water;
5. Onboard carbon capture technology coupled to the high-temperature fuel cell;
6. An innovative, customized energy management system to control and distribute energy without the need for generators.
With this financial support, PONANT strengthens its position in the maritime green transition. The company continues with its ambitious program to have a decarbonized vessel by 2030, while also contributing to the development of innovative solutions for more sustainable tourism.
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