Ponant has unveiled design concepts for a new ship that it says will produce “zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, manoeuvring, in port or at anchor”.

Scheduled to launch in 2030, the Swap2Zero vessel combines “six groundbreaking technologies, that will redefine future navigation”, a statement said.

These include a sail power system and hull providing an average of 50 per cent of the propulsion energy using wind power; a surface area of more than 1,000m² of photovoltaic panels, with new generation organic solar eco-designed devices integrated into the structures and sails, and a low temperature fuel cell operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, with the water and heat produced being recycled.

It will also feature a high temperature fuel cell to meet the ship’s hotel load requirements, with the heat emitted being recovered and used to produce hot water, as well as on-board carbon capture technology and an “innovative bespoke energy management system” to control and distribute power without any generators being used.

The cruise line is working with naval architects Stirling Design International on the project.

Discussions are also ongoing to select a shipyard for the delivery of the ship.

Ponant to offer a ‘new mode of navigation’

Ponant CEO Hervé Gastinel said: “Ponant is a company of sailors focused on exploration and innovation and it is this pioneering spirit that is inspiring the whole Swap2Zero programme.

“This is much more than a new ship. We want to offer a new mode of navigation and actively contribute to decarbonisation of the maritime sector.

“Our in-house R&D team has brought together the best specialists in shipbuilding and renewable energy to imagine and develop an energy model that aims at zero emissions.

“With Swap2Zero, we are building a French technological showcase to convince other stakeholders to commit to carbon neutral navigation.

“By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, manoeuvring, in port or at anchor.

“Her carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her lifecycle. Renewable energy supplied by the wind and sun will be combined with low-carbon non-fossil energy associated with fuel cells.”

Image: Stirling Design