Luxury cruise operator Ponant has been awarded the official Green Globe Certification, applicable to its entire fleet.
The sustainability measurement of a company’s business operations is based on 44 criteria and 380 indicators organised around four pillars: sustainable management, social and economic performance, cultural heritage and the environment.
“Green Globe certification, a global tourism industry standard, is a key element of our commitment to ensuring accountability for our actions. It’s important for our guests and also for continuing to encourage the whole maritime sector to realise its environmental transition,” said Wassim Daoud, Head of CSR and Sustainability at Ponant.
“What sets this certification apart is that it is based on continuous improvement. While our goal this year was to obtain it, the major challenge in the coming years will be to keep it” said Daoud.
Green Globe certification has been awarded to all four sister ship vessels, the six Ponant Explorers, the world’s only luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, and flagship sailing yacht Le Ponant.
Ponant says the certification is recognition of the commitment of all Ponant’s teams over past years to reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to more sustainable tourism.
“We are thrilled to announce Ponant’s accreditation of the Green Globe Certification for our entire fleet, making history as the first maritime cruise company to earn this international standard, setting a new precedent for sustainable tourism,” said Deb Corbett, General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific.
“This accolade reflects our unwavering commitment to reducing environmental impact and pioneering innovative practices in luxury expedition travel,” she said.
Sustainable fleet
Ponant’s entire fleet has been using Low-Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LS-MGO) since 2019, which has a sulphur content that is 13 times lower than current maritime standards, significantly limiting its atmospheric impact.
The cruise operator was the world’s first cruise line to abandon heavy fuel oil and support international authorities advocating for the extension of Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) to all oceans, like the Rome Declaration.
By the end of 2026, the entire fleet will be equipped with catalytic systems to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and shore power connection systems in ports, which means engines can be switched off.
Ponant has set itself a target to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30 per cent, per cruise day by 2030, compared to 2018.
Single-use plastics have been gradually faded out since 2021; and a Nordaq filtration unit onboard produces drinking water from seawater. The Ponant Foundation also funds community projects in the regions in which they venture.
For more information, visit au.ponant.com