PONANT's 2023 Sustainability Report reveals significant strides on its commitment to redefine tourism. From pioneering eco-friendly innovations to tangible reductions in its environmental footprint, PONANT is trying to push boundaries and setting 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. Wassim Daoud, Head of CSR and Sustainability at PONANT

The three-pronged sustainability roadmap – named Blue Horizon – focuses on reducing environmental footprint and enhances positive contribution, leveraging the best available technologies. Alongside ongoing onboard initiatives, PONANT’s R&D team is working on concrete projects towards carbon neutrality.

Four examples of concrete achievements:

1. Reduction in CO2 Emissions

In autumn 2023, 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.— Source: PONANTIn autumn 2023, 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.— Source: PONANT
In autumn 2023, 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.— Source: PONANT

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.

2. Zero Plastic Objective: Drinking Water Treatment and Bottling on Board

After a trial on Le Commandant Charcot in 2021, 92% of the ships were equipped with a Nordaq filtration system in 2022 that produces drinking water from seawater and is available from water fountains. For restaurants and staterooms, all guests are offered good quality drinking water bottled on board in recyclable glass containers without using any plastic. Results since the fountains were installed: nearly 820,000 plastic water bottles avoided, in 2023 compared to 2019, and a drop of over 90% of single-use plastic usage on average on ships with fountains.— Source: PONANTAfter a trial on Le Commandant Charcot in 2021, 92% of the ships were equipped with a Nordaq filtration system in 2022 that produces drinking water from seawater and is available from water fountains. For restaurants and staterooms, all guests are offered good quality drinking water bottled on board in recyclable glass containers without using any plastic. Results since the fountains were installed: nearly 820,000 plastic water bottles avoided, in 2023 compared to 2019, and a drop of over 90% of single-use plastic usage on average on ships with fountains.— Source: PONANT
After a trial on Le Commandant Charcot in 2021, 92% of the ships were equipped with a Nordaq filtration system in 2022 that produces drinking water from seawater and is available from water fountains. For restaurants and staterooms, all guests are offered good quality drinking water bottled on board in recyclable glass containers without using any plastic. Results since the fountains were installed: nearly 820,000 plastic water bottles avoided, in 2023 compared to 2019, and a drop of over 90% of single-use plastic usage on average on ships with fountains.— Source: PONANT

PONANT’s state-of-the-art wastewater treatment systems and strict on-board waste sorting practices continue to make a positive impact. A full 100% of on-board waste is now 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.

3. Support for Local Communities

A partnership has been set up 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 intervention of Le Commandant Charcot and the vessel’s icebreaking capabilities.— Source: PONANTA partnership has been set up 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 intervention of Le Commandant Charcot and the vessel’s icebreaking capabilities.— Source: PONANT
A partnership has been set up 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 intervention of Le Commandant Charcot and the vessel’s icebreaking capabilities.— Source: PONANT

A key part of PONANT’s sustainability commitment is to build partnerships with the communities encountered. In French Polynesia, the m/s Paul Gauguin brought doctors and nurses to visit remote communities. Going forward, the programme will provide 40 medical consultations per year in French Polynesia.

4. PONANT Science Programme

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 programme will be expanded in 2025 to include additional vessels, enhancing support for scientific research across different remote areas of the globe.

— Source: PONANT— Source: PONANT
— Source: PONANT

Discover the 2023 CSR Report.

ABOUT PONANT

Explore to Inspire: explore to better understand, learn, share and protect. PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism, and purposeful voyages of exploration for over 35 years. Aboard a fleet of 14 French-flagged small ships, fitted with the latest environmental technologies, the journey of exploration is always elegant, authentic and inspiring. For more information www.ponant.com.

Flavie de Lachapelle - Justine Fraticelli
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