Australia's Ponant Explorations Group has taken a major step in its plan to build near-zero-emission cruise ships by signing a memorandum of understanding with ArcelorMittal to incorporate the steelworks' low-carbon XCarb® steel into its future fleet. The partnership strengthens the company's Swap2Zero program, which aims to create the first virtually zero-emission ocean cruise ship and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80 percent.
As part of the memorandum of understanding, Ponant Explorations Group and ArcelorMittal will collaborate on the use of low-carbon, heavy-duty XCarb® steel sheets produced at ArcelorMittal's plant in Gijone, Spain. The long-term goal is to build entire ship hulls from XCarb® steel. ArcelorMittal now guarantees the availability of these sheets in a wide range of grades and sizes, supported by independently verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Increasing recycling and end-of-life recycling
Ponant Explorations Group will further work with its global network of shipyards to promote the adoption of XCarb® steel where possible, supporting the transition to low-emission shipbuilding.
In parallel with the construction of the ships, the parties will explore the possibility of developing a traceability system that will allow the steel used in the ships to be recovered and recycled at the end of their operational life. This is in line with circular economy principles and reinforces sustainable resource management throughout the ship
's life cycle.
