PONANT’s 2023 Sustainability Report reveals significant strides in its commitment to redefining 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,” says 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
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
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 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.
(Ponant 2023 Sustainability Report: Steady Progress Towards Ambitious Goals – Ponant)
Tags: Ponant (Compagnie du Ponant)
Source: Latecruisenews.com