PONANT has released the 2023 Sustainability Report revealing the company’s significant strides in their commitment to redefining tourism. From pioneering eco-friendly innovations to tangible reductions in its environmental footprint, PONANT is trying to push boundaries and set new standards for meaningful and more sustainable travel.
“Although we are proud of our accomplishments, we acknowledge that the journey toward sustainable tourism is ongoing. Through innovation and collaboration, PONANT aims to set the highest industry standard for more accountable and transparent sustainability practices,” says Wassim Daoud, Head of CSR and Sustainability at PONANT.
The three-part sustainability roadmap is centered on environmental impact while amplifying positive contributions by utilizing cutting-edge technologies. In addition to ongoing onboard initiatives, PONANT’s R&D team is actively developing concrete projects aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.
PONANT has continued to solidify its position as a pioneer in sustainable travel, making steady progress toward its ambitious goals. Through innovative biofuel trials, significant reductions in single-use plastics, and groundbreaking efforts to support remote communities and scientific research, PONANT is leading the way in redefining responsible tourism, all while advancing toward its long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Discover the full 2023 CSR Report here.
PONANT’s key achievements include:
Reduction in CO2 Emissions
By investing in a modern fleet, PONANT has achieved an 11% reduction in CO2 emissions per cruise day compared to the 2018 benchmark year. In 2023, the company trialed the use of B100 biofuel, which generates 90% fewer CO2 emissions than fossil fuels. With 12 vessels already certified for biofuel use, PONANT has laid the groundwork for reaching the 2050 goal of net-zero emissions.
In autumn 2023 (AU/NZ spring), PONANT Explorer vessel Le Champlain trialed the B100 biofuel, produced by recycling used edible oils collected in France. Run by ALTENS, the test was its first in France.
Zero Plastic Objective: Drinking Water Treatment and Bottling on Board
PONANT’s state-of-the-art wastewater treatment systems and strict on-board waste sorting practices continue to make a positive impact. Now 100% of on-board waste is separated and sorted on our vessels. In 2023, 73% of on-board drinking water was generated from seawater through the Nordaq filtering system, which is installed on 92% of the fleet’s ships. Single-use plastics were reduced, and more than 20 tons were avoided fleet-wide.
After a trial on Le Commandant Charcot in 2021, 92% of the ships were equipped with a Nordaq filtration system the following year producing drinking water from seawater allowing guests to access via the water fountains. In the restaurants and staterooms, all guests are offered good quality drinking water bottled on board in recyclable glass containers without using any plastic. The results since the fountains were installed show that nearly 820,000 plastic water bottles were avoided in 2023 compared to 2019, and a drop of over 90% on single-use plastics (based on averages) on ships with the water fountains.
Support for Local Communities
A key part of PONANT’s sustainability commitment is to build partnerships with the communities they encounter throughout the itineraries. In French Polynesia, the m/s Paul Gauguin successfully brought in doctors and nurses to visit remote communities. Going forward, the program will provide 40 medical consultations per year in French Polynesia.
A partnership has also been introduced with the Royal Arctic Line so that Le Commandant Charcot can deliver food supplies to Inuit communities during the season when Royal Arctic Line supply ships cannot do so. This is how the village of Tasiilaq in Greenland was able to get supplies in May 2023 and emerge from its winter isolation a month early thanks to the involvement of Le Commandant Charcot and the vessel’s icebreaking capabilities.
PONANT Science Program
PONANT continues to support research into marine ecosystems and environmental changes. Hosting 31 scientific missions during 2023, Le Commandant Charcot has two dedicated scientific laboratories (wet and dry) and equipment to facilitate various research activities during voyages to the polar regions. The science budget for the year was EUR 2.2 million, up from EUR 2 million in 2022. More than 175 researchers have been hosted aboard PONANT vessels since 2021. The PONANT Science program will be expanded in 2025 to include additional vessels, enhancing support for scientific research across different remote areas of the globe.
