PONANT is leading the way in sustainable travel, setting the standard for eco-conscious practices and groundbreaking scientific research. With a fleet of 13 energy-efficient, environmentally advanced ships, we are at the forefront of minimizing our ecological footprint through cutting-edge technologies, emissions reductions, and innovative waste management systems. Our commitment goes beyond travel—we are dedicated to protecting marine wildlife, promoting sustainable community development, and honoring cultural traditions across our fleet and worldwide explorations.

Through the PONANT Foundation and active collaboration with scientists, we support ocean conservation and foster a deeper understanding of climate change and marine ecosystems. Our guests enjoy the opportunity to engage in real-world scientific discovery.

PONANT is shaping a new era of responsible tourism that combines luxury with environmental stewardship and scientific advancement.

Why Choose PONANT?

A pioneer from the beginning, PONANT has never ceased to innovate in the design of our ships, opening up new sea routes and new destinations, reinventing responsible sea travel and placing the environment, safety, and security at the heart of its heritage.

We have three Pillars of Sustainability as our focus:

1. Energy Efficiency: Reducing Consumption at the Source
PONANT exceeds industry efficiency standards through proactive energy-saving measures:
• Speed & distance optimization: Ships are capped at ≤10 knots, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions—well beyond regulatory requirements.
• Smartship technology (85% fleet coverage): Real-time monitoring optimizes fuel efficiency, minimizing excess consumption.

2. Alternative Fuels & Clean Energy: Setting New Standards
PONANT has implemented stricter fuel policies than required by maritime regulations, embracing cleaner energy sources:
• Heavy fuel oil banned since 2019—years ahead of global maritime bans—replaced with Low Sulfur Marine Gas Oil (LS MGO) with a sulfur content 14 times lower than required.
• Le Commandant Charcot: First LNG (liquefied natural gas)-powered cruise ship and has 20% lower CO2 emissions than marine diesel, as well as a 99% reduction in sulfur oxides, 92% in nitrogen oxides, and 91% in fine particulate matter—surpassing air pollution regulations.
• Advanced catalytic converters installed on Le Ponant, Le Commandant Charcot, and six PONANT Explorers reduce nitrogen oxides by 400%—fleet-wide implementation by 2026, far ahead of mandatory deadlines.

3. Innovation & Future-Ready Solutions
PONANT is leading the industry in developing next-generation maritime sustainability technologies:
• Testing biofuels, including recycled cooking oil.
• Developing a transoceanic, carbon-neutral ship by 2030, integrating wind propulsion and liquid hydrogen fuel cells—a cutting-edge, zero-emission solution.
• Swap2Zero Project: An industry-first vessel designed as a floating laboratory for decarbonization research, welcoming scientists to study low-carbon maritime solutions.

Protecting Marine Biodiversity: Going Beyond Compliance

PONANT’s environmental efforts extend beyond emissions, exceeding international marine conservation regulations:

• Water Management: Reducing Freshwater Consumption & Treating Wastewater Responsibly
o 73% of onboard water is produced through seawater desalination, reducing reliance on freshwater in fragile ecosystems.
o Nordaq filtration system eliminates plastic bottled water, cutting single-use plastic by over 90%.
o Gray water recycling: Treated wastewater is repurposed for laundry, deck washing, and technical uses.
o Ballast & wastewater treatment systems surpass legal requirements, ensuring all discharges in sensitive zones are fully treated to prevent biodiversity harm.

• Waste Management: Total Traceability & Responsible Disposal
o 100% of onboard waste is separated and sorted—surpassing the industry standard.
o Innovative waste traceability tool monitors waste treatment, ensuring responsible disposal both on board and at port.
o Le Champlain’s 2023 audit: 91% waste management efficiency score, setting a high benchmark for future audits.

• Noise & Light Pollution Reduction: Protecting Marine Life
o PONANT Explorer series exceeds noise pollution standards, earning Comfort 1 certification.
o Le Commandant Charcot contributes to Arctic underwater noise research, helping protect marine mammals.

The PONANT Fleet