PONANT’s sailing zero-emission vessel concept wins EU grant

French cruise line operator PONANT has received support from the European Commission for its Swap2Zero project – the ‘first’ transoceanic vessel aiming for carbon neutrality.

Earlier this month, the European Commission selected 85 net-zero projects, including those involving hydrogen and maritime, to receive €4.8 billion in grants from the Innovation Fund.

PONANT’s project was one of the winners within the maritime sector.

Specifically, the company plans to build a hybrid passenger cruise ship powered by a combination of wind, liquid hydrogen (LH2) and bio-liquefied natural gas (bio-LNG). The ship project is said to support “the evolution towards carbon neutrality”.

The sailing ship, which will be ready by 2030, aims to be a catalyst for new energy solutions for PONANT and the broader industry. PONANT joined forces with naval architecture Stirling Design International to design the ship and is yet to select the shipyard that will build the innovative vessel.

Next to the sail power system, the 186-meter-long newbuild will combine photovoltaic panels, a low-temperature fuel cell, a high-temperature fuel cell, onboard carbon capture technology and an advanced energy management system.

“We are proud to announce our selection to receive the European Commission’s INNOVFUND for our Swap2Zero project – the first transoceanic vessel aiming for carbon neutrality. The project, also supported by the French State and BPI through CORIMER 2023, is thus part of one of the world’s largest funding programs for low-carbon technologies,” PONANT said.

“This is great recognition for the French industrial sector and PONANT’s pioneering spirit. With Swap2Zero, we will build a French technological showcase around the first zero-emission vessel in operation,” Patrick Augier, Secretary General, PONANT, commented.

Last month, French class society BV granted approval in principle (AIP) to PONANT for its new twin-screw sailing passenger vessel concept. 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.

Earlier this year, PONANT started a collaboration with compatriot 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.