PONANT ranked world's most environmentally friendly operator - plus receives Green Marine certification

Reviewing where cruise companies stand in terms of existing climate and environmental protection measures, NABU (Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union), the leading German environment association in Europe, has announced its 2020 rankings with small ship luxury expedition company PONANT heading the list.

"This recognition is a strong sign for PONANT. It encourages us to continue our efforts to promote sustainable tourism and to impose ever more ethical standards in this area. Stopping the use of heavy fuel oil, using the latest technological
innovations - LNG, biofuel, shore power, catalytic converters, hybrid power of our vessels - drastic reduction of single-use plastics, implementation of environmental and societal impact studies, raising awareness among our guests, the launch of our PONANT Foundation. These are all decisions that we have taken as passionate sailors and players in the tourism of tomorrow," says Nicolas Dubreuil, PONANT's Polar & Tropical Expedition Expert and Director of Sustainability.

This 2020 ranking evaluates the global environmental strategy and the actions implemented. It takes into account 8 environmental criteria: Paris climate goals, climate strategy, emission reduction, efficiency measures, shore power, stop of the use of heavy fuel oil, nitrogen oxide catalysts, soot particulate filters. 

A summary of comparative rankings can be found here: https://en.nabu.de/topics/traffic/28638.html

Deb Corbett, PONANT's General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific, adds “This NABU ranking comes hard on the heels of the announcement that PONANT is the first European cruise operator to obtain North America's Green Marine
certification. PONANT laid the groundwork for sustainable operations many years ago and this certification reflects the company's universal adoption of practices and technologies respectful to the environment and confirms the company's position as a leader in sustainable tourism."

Green Marine environmental certification is a distinction awarded to companies in the maritime industry that commit to both measuring their environmental performance each year and demonstrating continuous improvement in their ecological footprint. 

In the case of shipowners, Green Marine has defined seven criteria rated on a scale of 1 to 5 for evaluating practices and technologies with a direct real-world impact: underwater noise, pollutant air emissions (NOX), pollutant air emissions SOX and PM, greenhouse gas emissions (CO2), aquatic invasive species, waste management and oily discharge. Level 1 indicates regular monitoring, while level 5 demonstrates that the company has achieved a position of leadership and excellence.

PONANT has received an average rating of 4.2 this year and achieved level 5 (leadership and excellence) for five out of the seven criteria. The detailed performance report is  available on the Green Marine website:
green-marine.org/certification/results/

To find out more about PONANT's environmental policy: Manifesto for Sustainable Tourism. 

About PONANT                                                                                                                                                                    

Created in 1988, by Officers of the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a unique concept of sea travel, under the French flag, combined with a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Accessing 

exceptional destinations aboard small luxury expedition ships featuring refined design, on which the art of living and 

excellent cuisine takes pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and immersive PONANT voyage.

Having recently completed 40 voyages in the Arctic, Mediterranean, French coast and Croatia, PONANT continues to prepare for the resumption of its activity, including collaborating with the IHU (Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire) Méditerranée Infection of Marseilles, one of the world's leading centres in the field of infectious diseases, as well as 

Bureau Veritas. The "Covid-Safe" protocol developed by PONANT is based on health standards that exceed international regulations.

Information & Reservations                                                                                                                                             _________

All PONANT voyages, pricing, special offers and shore excursion highlights are available at au.ponant.com

Contact your preferred travel agent, or PONANT Consultants on 1300 737 178 (Australia) or 0800 767 018 (New Zealand), or email reservations.aus@ponant.com to obtain assistance and information.

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