PONANT’s low-carbon, wind-assisted passenger vessel design gets BV’s AiP

Classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has granted approval in principle (AiP) to cruise ship operator PONANT for its new twin-screw sailing passenger vessel concept Swap2Zero.

The vessel concept, measuring 186.2 meters in length, is designed for transoceanic voyages and is equipped with a combination of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar and low-carbon fuels.

According to BV, its design aligns with its goal of being close to zero-emission ready by focusing on three core principles: energy efficiency, energy sobriety and the optimized use of renewable resources. Wind propulsion is the primary method, supplemented by solar power, hydrogen fuel cells and renewable fuels such as bio and e-methane.

Key features of the Swap2Zero project include the ability to achieve up to 50% wind-assisted propulsion and provide up to one month of operational autonomy, PONANT said, adding that it can operate for 15 days without wind at a speed of 10 knots, or up to 30 days with 50% wind assistance.

The vessel concept also incorporates approximately 1,000 square meters of solar panels, proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), batteries, as well as renewable liquid hydrogen. Additionally, dual-fuel engines certified for biodiesel and biogas support Safety of Return to Port (SRtP) compliance.

As per PONANT, a notable aspect of the vessel concept is its advanced carbon capture system, designed to capture and store CO2 emissions, which may be reused or securely stored. The concept also features systems for waste heat and cold recovery, contributing to its overall sustainability.

Mathieu Petiteau, Newbuilding and R&D Director at PONANT, commented: “This vessel concept represents our vision for the next generation of cruise vessels, showcasing how various technologies, energy sources, and processes can be harmonized to provide optimal autonomy and flexibility, all while being compliant with existing regulations. It is a realistic and profitable approach that achieves the highest level of decarbonization.”

“This project also offers a valuable opportunity to deepen our expertise in innovative technologies, while engaging regulatory and certification bodies, equipment manufacturers, design offices, and shipyards in a collaborative real-world case study, exploring multiple decarbonization strategies we believe in.”

To remind, at the beginning of 2024, PONANT agreed to collaborate with startup FARWIND Energy on innovative ship refuelling solutions with renewable hydrogen. FARWIND revealed that PONANT’s Swap2Zero and FARWIND’s energy ship program will be developed in close collaboration.

The partners set themselves a goal to be in a position to commission the Swap2Zero project and the first energy ship at the same time by 2030.