25/09/2023
Sustainable Energy: PONANT at the Forefront with ALTENS Biofuel Based on Recycled Oils
Le Champlain, an expedition yacht from the PONANT Explorers series, has taken on biodiesel B100 which is 100% produced from recycled cooking oil, during a technical stop in Cherbourg in september 2023.
As the first French cruise line to test this new generation of biofuels, PONANT continues to progress its sustainability and decarbonisation strategy, in particular its commitment to reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% per navigation day by 20301.
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.
Mathieu Petiteau, Newbuilding and R&D Director at PONANT
A certified performance marine biofuel
©VISAVU
The B100 Le Champlain is bunkering 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.
Our objective is to use biofuels in our entire fleet
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.
The leading French supplier of a range of alternative fuels, Altens is above all a provider of decarbonization solutions. Thanks to a wide choice of products, companies can therefore choose for the biofuel suited best to their uses, environmental ambitions, technical or economic constraints, but also administrative constraints (taxation, REDIII, Low emission zones, CII, FuelEU Maritime). Fully involved in the ecological energy transition, Altens informs users of existing solutions, raises awareness among contractors and participates in the training of alternative fuel prescribers.