PONANT Striving for Zero Emission Selects the Syroco EfficientShip Digital Twin Platform

PONANT has chosen the Syroco EfficientShip platform to support the design and digital modelling of the innovative Swap2Zero project. A digital twin based on physics and artificial intelligence will make it possible to simulate the behaviour of the different components of the ship to evaluate her energy consumption and minimise her emissions.

Swap2Zero is the first transoceanic ship concept that aims for carbon neutrality when sailing, manoeuvring, docking, or at anchor. Her carbon footprint will be minimised during her life cycle. This sailing ship will be ready in 2030 and will combine wind and solar energy, fuel cells, and carbon capture systems. It will serve as a catalyst for new energy solutions with replicability potential.

To assist with the design of the Swap2Zero project, PONANT has chosen Syroco EfficientShip, a solution provided by the Climate Tech startup that supports the energy transition of maritime transportation. The digital tool contributes to the selection of technologies that will optimise the energy efficiency of the future ship and validate propulsion and emission reduction goals through simulations.

By combining physics and artificial intelligence, the Syroco EfficientShip platform builds a digital twin of the ship. The twin is used to optimise her efficiency and performance in a variety of configurations depending on design characteristics (propulsion, hull, etc.), operational parameters (speed, trim, etc.), and environmental parameters (wind, swell, etc.).

“During our studies around the design of our future ship, Syroco EfficientShip helps us define the best possible technical configuration,” commented Mathieu Petiteau, Newbuilding and R&D Director at PONANT.

This platform enables us to accurately model our future ship’s behaviour and energy efficiency in different configurations, depending on the routes sailed and weather conditions encountered. The digital twin technology is part of our aim to expedite the marine industry’s decarbonisation.”

“In alignment with PONANT’s striving commitment to the development of a new generation of zero-emission ships, we are excited to announce our partnership with tech startup Syroco,” said PONANT Group Deputy CEO Global Business Belinda Hindmarsh.

When visiting the Asia Pacific area, she added, “We are proud to be at the forefront of maritime innovation by implementing industry-leading technology and paving the way to a decarbonised maritime transportation future.”

“We are proud to work with PONANT, a company committed to decarbonised navigation and at the forefront of maritime innovation.” Only by deploying cutting-edge technical solutions will the maritime industry be able to accelerate its energy transition,” explained Alex Caizergues, CEO and Co-founder of Syroco.