Ponant is first cruise line to get Green Globe certification

French cruise ship operator Ponant has become the world’s first cruise line to earn a Green Globe certification.

All of Ponant’s cruise ships have obtained the Green Globe certification, an international standard for travel and tourism stakeholders, in recognition of its commitment to responsible tourism.

“Green Globe certification, a global tourism industry standard, is a key element of our commitment to ensuring accountability for our actions,” said Wassim Daoud, head of corporate social responsibility and sustainability at Ponant.

“It’s important for our guests and also for continuing to encourage the whole maritime sector to realise its environmental transition.

Ponant’s commitment to responsible tourism

“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.”

Since 2019, Ponant’s entire fleet has been using low-sulphur marine gas oil (LS-MGO), which has a sulphur content below 0.05 percent. This is 13 times lower than current maritime standards and significantly limits the fleet’s atmospheric impact.

Per a press release, Ponant was the world’s first cruise line to abandon heavy fuel oil. Also, the company has equipped its whole fleet with catalytic systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, while shore power connection systems in ports means engines can be switched off.

Ponant aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30 percent per cruise day by 2030 compared to 2018.

All Ponant ships achieve certification

The company has also reduced waste production by gradually phasing out single-use plastics. In 2022, nearly 390,000 single-use bottles were avoided.

Launched in 1998, the Green Globe standard assesses the sustainability of business operations based on 44 criteria and 380 indicators organised around four pillars – sustainable management, social and economic performance, cultural heritage, and the environment.

Green Globe is an affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

Images courtesy of Ponant