Ponant expedition yacht takes on B100 biodiesel bunker fuel in France
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by Admin
French cruise company Ponant on Friday (25 September) said Le Champlain, an expedition yacht from the Ponant Explorers series, has taken on B100 biodiesel which is 100% produced from recycled cooking oil, during a technical stop in Cherbourg in September 2023.
Ponant said as the first French cruise line to test this new generation of biofuels, it continues to progress its sustainability and decarbonisation strategy, in particular its commitment to reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% per navigation day by 2030.
Mathieu Petiteau, Newbuilding and R&D Director at Ponant, said: “This first marine biofuel test is part of our roadmap as their carbon footprint is infinitely lower than conventional fuels, with a 90% reduction of CO2 emissions.”
“They are produced from used cooking oils, can be incorporated directly into engines and are available now. We want to help demonstrate that it is a credible alternative that can contribute to decarbonising Ponant’s fleet and the entire maritime industry.”
The B100 Le Champlain bunkered is produced in France from cooking oils collected from the french food industry, catering outlets and catering trades. It is distributed by ALTENS, a leading French supplier of alternative non-fossil fuels for the transport sector. The whole B100 biofuel production sector is certified by ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification), an international standard recognised by the European Union and which also guarantees traceability of raw materials.
Le Champlain is fitted with Wartsila diesel engines and B100 is totally compatible as a drop-in fuel to meet targets. With CO2 emissions 90% lower than fossil fuels, it exceeds European requirements for 2035. In compliance with legislation, the first bunkering will be accompanied by a series of tests to ensure in particular that NOx emissions remain compliant with regulatory specifications. SOx, particulates and black carbon emissions will also be measured.
Once this trial stage has been completed, Ponant plans to roll out its use to the rest of its fleet, subject to supply capacities.
Photo credit: Ponant
Published: 29 September, 2023
