Classification society Bureau Veritas has entered into a formal partnership with Ponant Explorations Group aimed at accelerating the development of low-emission cruise and expedition vessels, according to Ship & Bunker.
A Collaboration Covering the Full Decarbonisation Pathway
Under the agreement, two Bureau Veritas entities — Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) and Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS) — will each play distinct roles in supporting Ponant’s decarbonisation ambitions. According to Ship & Bunker, BV will focus on classification, certification, and regulatory matters, while BVS will take on technical studies and risk analysis related to the integration of new technologies onboard.
The cooperation also extends to modelling work and the development of certification pathways designed to facilitate new decarbonisation solutions, the report notes.
Swap2Zero: A Near-Zero Emissions Concept for Transoceanic Travel
A central element of the partnership is Ponant’s Swap2Zero initiative, described by Ship & Bunker as a concept for a transoceanic passenger vessel that targets near-zero operational emissions through a combination of emerging technologies. The specific technologies involved were not detailed in the report.
The partners have stated their intention to reduce the technical and regulatory risks associated with deploying these new systems onboard, while also working toward the necessary approvals for future vessel deployment.
Knowledge Sharing Across the Cruise Industry
Beyond the immediate project scope, the agreement includes a broader commitment to knowledge sharing and the promotion of decarbonisation solutions across the cruise sector more widely, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
