Ponant Designs Zero Emission Sailing Ship

Ponant, the French luxury expedition cruise line, has committed to the building of a zero emission sailing ship with delivery scheduled for 2030. The ship’s design combines six technologies that support the cruise industry’s move towards carbon neutrality including wind assisted propulsion, solar energy, and fuel cells.

“By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, maneuvering, in port or at anchor,” said Herve Gastinel, CEO of Ponant. “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.”

The ship, as yet unnamed, will feature “around 100 staterooms” and will measure almost 594 feet in length (181 meters).

Ponant worked with naval architecture company Stirling Design International for the design of the ship, but is still in discussions to select the shipyard that will build and deliver it.