Ponant has cemented its position as a world-leader in sustainable tourism, recognised for the second successive year with Green Marine certification.
First attaining the US-based environmental certification in 2020 as the first international cruise company to do so, Ponant has most recently achieved an average of 4.5 out of 5 and level 5 (leadership and excellence) for six of the eight indicators.
The initiative recognises those in the maritime industry who undertake to measure their environmental performance annually and reduce their ecological footprint. Green Marine has identified and addressed priority issues through a number of performance indicators.
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Assessed on a scale of 1 to 5, they are practices and technologies that have a direct impact on the environment including underwater noise, pollutant air emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, invasive aquatic species and management of residues and oily discharges. In 2021, a new indicator was introduced to gauge ship recycling, for which Ponant achieved 5 out of 5.
Deb Corbett, GM Sales & Marketing for Ponant Asia Pacific said the luxury expedition cruise line laid the groundwork for sustainable operations many years ago.
“This repeated achievement, particularly as we were the first international cruise company to achieve such certification, reflects our universal adoption of practices and technologies respectful to the environment and confirms the company’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism,” Corbett remarked.
As part of the company’s global commitment to the environment, the PONANT Foundation also aligned with the GARRAHAN Foundation, which collects and resells aluminium cans and plastic bottle caps, donating recyclable waste accumulated on board its ships on their return from cruises to Antarctica. Funds generated by the recycling program are used to purchase and repair equipment at the Garrahan Paediatric Hospital, train health teams and help fund after care homes for sick children and their families.
Lead image: King Penguins, Antarctica – credit: Studio Ponant/Olivier Blaud