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Bureau Veritas and PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP sign cooperation agreement to advance low-carbon cruise innovation, including the Swap2Zero project
Apr. 2 2026
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) and Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS) have signed a cooperation agreement with PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP to support the development of innovative solutions for cruise and expedition vessels, with a strong focus on maritime decarbonization and the advancement of PONANT’s Swap2Zero project.
Under the agreement, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, BV and BVS will combine their respective expertise to support the joint development of solutions for next-generation cruise and expedition ships. The cooperation will cover key areas including regulatory framework development, technical studies, advanced modeling, risk analysis, certification and classification pathways, and broader market awareness around decarbonization solutions for the maritime industry.
A central pillar of the cooperation is Swap2Zero, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP’s project for a transoceanic passenger vessel designed to target near-zero operational emissions. The project brings together several breakthrough technology pathways intended to support the future of more sustainable cruise operations.
BV will contribute its expertise in classification, certification, regulatory assessment and rule development for decarbonized ships and technologies, while BVS will provide technical studies, risk analysis and advanced modelling capabilities. Together with PONANT’s shipowner and operator expertise, the parties aim to help derisk the integration of innovative technologies onboard and support the path toward approval, certification and future deployment. The agreement also establishes a framework for joint communication and knowledge sharing on decarbonization solutions for cruise and expedition ships.
SVP for Western Europe and Americas
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
This cooperation agreement with PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP reflects our shared ambition to accelerate the decarbonization of the maritime sector. By combining PONANT’s innovation leadership with Bureau Veritas’ expertise in classification, safety, risk and technical advisory services, we aim to help advance practical and scalable solutions for the next generation of lower-carbon cruise and expedition vessels.
Mathieu Petiteau, Newbuilding and R&D Director at PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, said: “This cooperation agreement embodies our commitment and our joint efforts to decarbonize the maritime sector, through the upskilling of our teams on new technologies and new energies, by advancing in the deployment and integration of innovative technologies on board ships, while controlling risks and offering real case studies for the application of new regulations.”
