According to the report, the company is on track to meet its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 15% by 2026 and 30% by 2030, with 90% of Ponant’s research and development activities currently focused on improving environmental performance.

Single-use plastics have been completely eliminated across the fleet, while 100% of waste is separated and sorted onboard, with 60% of it being recycled compared to the global average of 20%. By 2026, Ponant aims to recycle 80% of waste.

The report also noted all the cruise line’s ships have now gained international Cleanship certification issued by Bureau Veritas, attesting to the vessels’ optimal ecological performance.

Ponant’s chief executive Herve Gastinel said: “We have made lasting and ambitious commitments. We aim to decarbonise our cruises, reduce atmospheric emissions, eliminate plastics, recover waste, protect biodiversity, support scientific research onboard our ships, and strengthen our partnerships with local communities. This first annual report presents the results in figures.”

Launched in February, Ponant’s Blue Horizon roadmap contains six quantifiable commitments, which will be continually assessed as part of its annual sustainability reports. These include reducing carbon emissions, eliminating plastics, recycling waste, deploying scientific research teams in the Arctic, supporting the Blue Nature Alliance project to create new marine protected areas, and classifying the whole planet as a Sulphur Emission Control Area by 2025.

Following last year’s launch of Ponant’s first high polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the company is now developing an eco-designed cruise ship concept that will have no impact on the environment when sailing.