Ponant receives European Commission grant for its Swap2Zero project

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 30 October 2024 30 October 2024

Ponant has announced its selection for the INNOVFUND support for its Swap2Zero project, the first transoceanic ship aimed at carbon neutrality. This aid, granted by the European Commission and financed by revenue from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), is one of the world’s largest funding programs for the deployment of innovative low-carbon energies technologies.

This decision marks a milestone in the recognition Ponant is garnering for its efforts to accelerate the cruise sector’s transition to decarbonization, while also highlighting the commitment of the entire industrial sector mobilized in France to anticipate the challenges of decarbonization expected by 2050. This initiative has also received support from the French government and the French Public Investment Bank (BPI) as part of the CORIMER 20231 calls for expressions of interest as Ponant’s ambitions are fully aligned with the goals set by France 2030 and the ‘Green Ship’ roadmap - aimed at accelerating transformations and the deployment of technological solutions within the maritime industry.

“Getting this grant sends a very encouraging message to teams working on this ambitious decarbonisation project. The recognition acknowledges PONANT’s pioneering spirit. With the Swap2Zero project we are building a showcase of French technology around the first zero-emission ship in operation,” says Patrick Augier, General Secretary of Ponant.

This grant validates years of research and development driven by Ponant’s R&D and New Building engineers, orchestrated by Director Mathieu Petiteau, and affirms the Swap2Zero project, which aims at zero CO22 emissions in operation with one-month autonomy, tied to six groundbreaking decarbonization technologies as building blocks:

1. A sail power system and hull providing 50% of the propulsion energy using the force of the wind.
2. A surface area totaling over 1,000m2 of next-generation, eco-designed photovoltaic panels produced in France.
3. A low temperature fuel cell operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, where the water and heat produced is recycled.
4. A high temperature fuel cell to meet the ship’s hotel load needs, with the heat emitted being recovered and used to produce hot water.
5. On-board carbon capture technology, coupled with the high temperature fuel cell.
6. An innovative bespoke energy management system to control and distribute power without generators being in service.

With this financial support, Ponant strengthens its position as the leader in the maritime ecological transition and continues its ambitious program to have a decarbonized ship by 2030. With the Swap2Zero project’s strong replicability potential to speed up decarbonization of the shipping industry, the company also further contributes to the development of innovative solutions for more sustainable tourism.

Antarctica21 and HIF Global collaborate to pioneer the use of e-Fuels in Antarctica

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 28 October 2024 28 October 2024

Antarctica21, a leading tourism operator of air-cruise expeditions to Antarctica, has announced a new collaboration with HIF Global, a world leader in e-Fuel production. This exclusive agreement marks a significant step toward sustainable tourism in Antarctica, as Antarctica21 becomes the first company in the cruise industry to integrate synthetic gasoline into its operations on the White Continent.

E-Fuel, a synthetic fuel produced from green hydrogen and recycled CO₂ thanks to wind energy, offers a promising alternative by being chemically equivalent to current gasoline. It requires no modifications to engines or existing infrastructure, thereby supporting global decarbonization goals.

The partnership is the first step in Antarctica21’s ambitious plan to shift its operations toward the exclusive use of e-Fuels. At a ceremony in Punta Arenas, in southern Chile, on October 25, 2024, Antarctica21 and HIF Global signed an agreement whereby e-Gasoline will be tested for the operation of Zodiacs by Antarctica21's flagship expedition vessel, Magellan Explorer. In the following years, Antarctica21 plans to expand the use of e-Fuels to include synthetic Marine Gas Oil (e-MGO) to power Magellan Explorer’s main engines, as well as synthetic jet fuel for air operations, achieving full alignment between the company's fuel usage and its sustainability goals.

The e-Fuel used for this partnership is locally sourced from HIF Global's Haru Oni plant in Punta Arenas, in Chile’s Magallanes Region, where the company produces e-Fuel for various industrial applications. The plant's innovative approach has the potential to position Chile as a key element in the global energy transition.

Jaime Vásquez, President of Antarctica21, said: "We are delighted to be at the forefront of the quest for alternative energy solutions. The strategic partnership between Antarctica21 and HIF aligns with our ongoing sustainability initiatives, which encompass energy-efficient practices and a comprehensive carbon offsetting and certification program. By integrating e-Fuel into our operations, we are paving the way toward a more sustainable future for Antarctic tourism, while helping drive innovation in marine fuel alternatives."

Víctor Turpaud, CEO of HIF Latam, stated: "This agreement is a concrete step that reaffirms our commitment to decarbonizing the planet. Our e-Fuels can make a difference today, not only transforming regional tourism but also contributing to a sustainable future in the White Continent."

MSC Cruises to launch Alaska sailings from Seattle

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 28 October 2024 28 October 2024

MSC Cruises will sail into the Far North, the company announced today, with Alaska itineraries now available for booking. MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle and embark upon her inaugural sailing to Alaska on May 11, 2026.

Guests sailing to Alaska will be able to enjoy the region’s unrivalled beauty, breathtaking scenery, magnificent wildlife and rich Alaska Native cultural heritage while visiting a wide variety of the region’s most picturesque destinations including Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, and Juneau (Alaska), along with Victoria (British Columbia, Canada).

Lynn Torrent, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, MSC Cruises USA, said: “Guests from all over the world tell us they want to see Alaska’s beauty firsthand, which makes these itineraries the perfect addition to MSC Cruises’ global portfolio of bucket-list destinations. Seattle will be our fifth U.S. homeport, bringing our signature mix of European style and American comforts to the west coast as we continue to expand our offerings in the North American market. We look forward to welcoming guests aboard MSC Poesia, which will spend the summer cruising Alaska and move to Miami for the winter, offering opportunities for travelers to enjoy the coveted experience of transiting the Panama Canal when the ship moves between the east and west coast.”

Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Managing Director, Maritime, Port of Seattle, said: “The Port of Seattle looks forward to welcoming MSC Cruises and MSC Poesia to Seattle. We know that MSC guests will enjoy exploring our region before and after their Alaska adventure. We appreciate MSC’s commitment to sustainability and look forward to MSC Poesia connecting to shore power in Seattle.”

Sea Cloud Spirit to homeport in Venice Grand Canal Summer 2025

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 25 October 2024 25 October 2024

Sea Cloud Cruises, one of the world's most storied names in cruise travel, will deploy its newest ship, Sea Cloud Spirit, for four new Venice roundtrip sailings during the Summer 2025 season. For the first time in the cruise line’s history, the line’s largest and newest ship will sail four, 9-night voyages that include an overnight in Venice, docking in the city’s exclusive Grand Canal. Titled “The Enchanting Croatian Coast,” the itinerary will include six ports of call along Croatia’s scenic coast and two days under full sail exploring the Adriatic Sea. The 2025 Venice roundtrip sailings are July 24-August 2, August 2-11, August 11-20, August 20-29.

A special addition to the August 2-11 sailing will be a special Cabaret Cultivated Journey headlined by feature cabaret, concert and recording artist Travis Moser. Moser has packed houses and won acclaim for his solo shows in New York City’s most intimate stages and around the country. His performances will mark the first Sea Cloud Cruises Cabaret Cultivated Journey with a planned set-list showcasing Travis’ personal inspirations of travel, sailing and accompanied on Sea Cloud Spirit’s iconic Steinway & Sons grand piano.

“So much of the musical experience is the venue, connecting the audience in an intimate space and I cannot be more excited to do just that onboard the beautiful Sea Cloud Spirit sailing the Adriatic Sea from Venice,” shared Moser regarding his 2025 Cultivated Journey performance. “I look forward to sharing this travel and musical experience with guests and will be counting the days until my accompanist and I board.

Historic Venice is limited to ships under 25,000 gross tons and Sea Cloud Cruises is one of the few cruise lines permitted to dock just steps from St. Mark’s Square, offering a dramatic arrival and departure in the heart of Venice’s Grand Lagoon. The full itinerary features Venice, a day under full sails, Sibenik/Croatia, Dubrovnik/Croatia, Korula/Croatia, Vis/Croatia, Hvar/Croatia, day under full sails, Rovinj/Croatia returning to Venice overnight. Shore excursion highlights include the waterfalls and wading pools of Krka, extra time in Dubrovnik until 11 p.m. after the large ships leave, the serene island harbor of Komiza known for wine making and fishing and opportunities for an evening stroll on Venice’s Rialto Bridge before retiring to Sea Cloud Spirit just steps from the historic sites.

“Sailing was a passion of Marjorie Merriweather Post, creator of the original Sea Cloud, and these special Venice roundtrip sailings have been meticulously designed to pay homage to her love for traveling in this region under full sail.” said Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruises North America. “Post was also passionate about music, and we are thrilled to have Travis Moser join us on our first of hopefully many special Cabaret Cultivated Journeys performing in such beautiful space with our Steinway & Sons grand piano.”

Moser’s most recent show, “Someday Soon: The Songs of Judy Collins,” recently completed a tour of across the country. His previous show, “Just One Look: The Songs of Linda Ronstadt,” paid homage to the legendary goddess of music and debuted at New York’s famed The Green Room 42. This will mark his debut onboard Sea Cloud Spirit and with Sea Cloud Cruises.

Upcoming voyages on Sea Cloud Spirit include open bar, all meals with exclusive wine and beer selections, water sports, port charges, gratuities and welcome bottle of champagne upon embarkation. Fall Sale Fares per person, based on double occupancy are from $8,545 with a $2,500 stateroom and a $3,500 suite credit when booked by December 20, 2024.