PONANT Leads the Way with Shore-Side Power Connection in Ports

PONANT, the global leader in luxury expeditions, is leading efforts to reduce shore-side atmospheric emissions during port calls. Since installing the PONANT Explorer series in 2022, Le Bellot has made port calls at Hafnarfjörur, Iceland, where the engines are turned off, and the ship connects seamlessly to the port’s energy network.

“We are exploring numerous options to cut our CO2-per-sailing-day emissions by 30% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2040. We are among the first operators to invest in shore-side power connection systems. We can now partner with ports with this facility to assess the effects and constraints of these technologies in real-life conditions. Our feedback will benefit the whole sector by contributing to ramping up the power of this equipment,” said PONANT General Secretary Patrick Augier.

By the end of 2026, the whole PONANT fleet will have shore-side electrical connections.

Four PONANT Explorer vessels, Le Bellot, Le Dumont-d’Urville, Le Jacques-Cartier, and Le Champlain, have shore power connections, enabling them to connect to a port’s power grid. Two Sisterships, L’Austral and Le Boréal, will be fitted in 2024, with the entire fleet equipped by 2026.

The PONANT commitment to shore power entails a substantial investment of one million euros per ship. This deliberate deployment not only reduces atmospheric emissions but also significantly reduces the company’s overall carbon footprint.

“At PONANT, we proudly lead the way in sustainable maritime practices, passionately dedicated to forging a greener future for responsible tourism both locally and globally,” said Chris Hall, PONANT CEO for Asia Pacific and Special Advisor. “This commitment not only enhances our brand but also propels us to strive for significant milestones in sustainability, motivating us to work even harder towards achieving our ambitious goals.”

Decarbonisation is a significant challenge for marine transportation.

The European Union has committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 55% between 1990 and 2030 under the Fit for 55 legislative initiatives. The EU aims to achieve carbon neutrality in the marine industry by 2050. Additional taxes on fossil marine fuels will be levied beginning in 2025, and by 2024, maritime transport will be integrated into the European emissions trading system, including CO2 limits.

The whole industry and its stakeholders are now grouping to promote more responsible tourism.