Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot has become the first cruise ship to be refuelled with liquefied natural gas (LNG) in France.
The ship-to-ship bunkering operation took place in Le Harve following an initial LNG fuelling in Norway in July.
Le Commandant Charcot has been designed to employ the latest green technologies, starting with LNG, claimed to be the cleanest maritime fuel available. LNG emits 20% less CO2 compared to conventional marine fuels.
The French line took six years to design and build this prototype of a ship.
P&O Cruises has also introduced Iona as its first LNG-powered vessel, to be followed by sister ship Arvia in December next year. Other Carnival Corporation brands such as Aida, Carnival Cruise Line and Costa have also launched LNG-powered ships
MSC Cruises is due to take delivery of MSC World Europa, its first ship powered by LNG, next year as well as Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish.
Ponant took delivery of Le Commandant Charcot in July.
Chief executive Herve Gastinel sad: “These LNG bunkering operations are the culmination of several years of analysis, engineering and trials to find the safest and most efficient way to perform this operation.
“The ship reached the geographic North Pole for the first time on September 6, 2021, using liquefied natural gas throughout the long voyage.
“We are completely satisfied and particularly proud of the technical innovations developed on this ship which have enabled us to achieve such outstanding results in terms of performance.”