ArcelorMittal has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ponant Explorations Group, leader in high-end exploration cruises, to collaborate on sustainability initiatives supporting Ponant’s Swap2Zero project, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 80pct. Under the MoU, the companies will work to integrate ArcelorMittal’s XCarb recycled and renewably produced low-carbon heavy steel plates, made in Gijon, Spain, into new vessel construction, with the long-term goal of manufacturing 100pct of ship hulls using XCarb steel.
The agreement includes Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore certification of XCarb plates to ensure compliance with independent marine standards. Ponant will also encourage its global network of shipyards to adopt XCarb where possible, strengthening both companies’ commitment to more sustainable shipbuilding. In addition, the partners will explore a steel traceability system to enable recovery and reuse of steel at end-of-life, supporting a closed-loop recycling model and aligning with the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, effective from June 2025.
By combining Ponant’s near-zero-emission vessel concept, featuring wind-assisted propulsion, solar power, and renewable fuels, with ArcelorMittal’s low-carbon steel solutions, the partnership sets a new benchmark in decarbonized maritime construction. The Swap2Zero project is co-financed by the EU Innovation Fund and France 2030.
