Swap2Zero: Toward decarbonized navigation
Scroll to explore
Sustainable
Wind assisted propulsion
Zero emission cruise ship
Hervé Gastinel
« ‘‘More than just a new ship, we want to offer a new way of sailing and actively contribute to the decarbonization of the maritime sector. Our internal R&D team has brought together the best specialists in shipbuilding and renewable energy to design and develop an energy model aiming for zero emissions. With the Swap2Zero project, for which we received funding from the European Union, we are building a French technological showcase capable of convincing other players to commit to carbon-neutral navigation.’’
Maritime innovation and Avant-Garde
PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is launching Swap2Zero, an unprecedented transoceanic vessel project aiming for carbon-neutral operations. Set to launch around 2030, this sailing ship is designed to act as a catalyst for new energy solutions. The Group has once again partnered with naval architecture firm Stirling Design International.
Mathieu Petiteau
‘‘By 2030, our futur ship is aiming for zero CO₂ in navigating, manoeuvering, docking and anchoring. To achieve this, the R&D team has devised a pioneering concept combining six breakthrough technologies. The ship’s carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her lifecycle. Renewable energies provided by the wind and the sun will be combined with fuel cells using decarbonized energy and non fossil fuels.’’
Sustainable development
The next generation of ships from the Group will mark a new strategic milestone. With around one hundred cabins and a length of 181 meters, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP’s sailing ship of the future ushers in a new era for the maritime industry.
In line with new European and international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is adopting an unprecedented ecodesign approach. This represents a major step forward in shipbuilding. Equipment and materials will be selected based on lifecycle analysis, up to and including waste recovery.
Towards the decarbonization of the maritime sector
The Swap2Zero project aims to use 50% wind energy to propel the vessel at 10 knots, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80%. All while ensuring a total autonomy of 30 days.
European support
The Swap2Zero project benefits from official support from the European Union, a strong recognition of its ambition in terms of innovation and ecological transition. Co-financed by the Innovation Fund of the European Union Emissions Trading System, as well as by France 2030, this support marks a major milestone for the Newbuilding and R&D teams of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP. This European contribution highlights the relevance and scope of the project, a true accelerator towards more responsible and decarbonized navigation. This challenge is also being addressed with the support of regulatory authorities, notably the French flag administration and Bureau Veritas, as well as the design firms LMG Marin and Stirling Design International, and industrial partners such as Actemium Marine and the innovative SME D-ICE Engineering.
A project with strong replicability potential, accelerating the decarbonization of the maritime industry
Swap2Zero aims for zero CO₂-eq emissions (CO₂ equivalent emissions from well to wake, including CO₂, methane, N₂O) in operation, with one month of autonomy, thanks to the unprecedented combination of six major decarbonization technologies:
A wind propulsion system and a hull allowing on average 50% of propulsion energy to be supplied by wind power;
More than 1,000 m² of photovoltaic panels, with next-generation;
A low-temperature hydrogen fuel cell dedicated to propulsion, with recycling of the water and heat produced;
A high-temperature fuel cell that meets the ship’s hotel load needs, with the heat recovered for hot water production;
A carbon capture technology on board, coupled with the high-temperature fuel cell;
An innovative energy management system developed specifically to control and distribute power, with no generator in operation.
The vessel resulting from the Swap2Zero project also forms part of the PONANT Science program, continuing our commitment to the scientific community. It will host on board researchers working on decarbonization technologies — a key issue in controlling climate change.
Discover all our commitments
Project coordinator contact: Mathieu Petiteau - France
Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.