French owner Ponant hopes to finalise a newbuilding contract next year for the first of its next-generation cruise ships designed to run on hydrogen, wind and solar power.
The aim of the Swap2Zero blueprint is to be emission-free by 2030.
Mathieu Petiteau, Ponant’s director of newbuild and research and development, told TradeWinds the ship would cost an estimated 30% more than conventional units due to the new technologies and sustainable design requirements.
“We just entered into the tendering process end of June and we are aiming to finalise a shipbuilding contract in 2024,” he said.
“We have selected only European shipyards with a proven capacity to handle complex projects.”
Le Marin reported that specifications have been sent to Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, Italy’s Fincantieri and its subsidiary Vard, and Germany’s Meyer Werft.
Ponant has a fleet of seven cruise ships currently.
Asked how many of the new blueprint would be built, Petiteau said: “The challenge will be to build one first vessel to demonstrate the integration and performance of such concept and then, in order to be compliant with incoming International Maritime Organization and European Union rules for 2050, there is no other way than to progressively replace the actual vessels with this new generation.”
The company has worked with naval architect Stirling Design International.
Ponant describes the design as a “technological revolution” that puts sustainability at the heart of the project.
Ponant chief executive Herve Gastinel said: “By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, manoeuvring, in port or at anchor. Her carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her life cycle.”
Swap2Zero will have around 100 staterooms and a length overall of 181 metres.
It will also host researchers involved in decarbonisation technologies when operational.
