Ponant bunkers 100% biodiesel made from UCO in French expedition yacht

Ponant's Le Champlain was fueled with B100 made from used cooking oil supplied by Altens. (Photo: Ponant)

Ponant announced Sept. 25 that Le Champlain, an expedition yacht from the Ponant Explorers series, has bunkered 100 percent biodiesel (B100) produced from used cooking oil (UCO) during a technical stop in Cherbourg, France, this month.

As the first French cruise line to test UCO-based B100, Ponant said it continues to progress its sustainability and decarbonization strategy, in particular its commitment to reducing its CO2 emissions by 30 percent per navigation day by 2030.

“This first marine biofuel test is part of our roadmap as their carbon footprint is infinitely lower than conventional fuels, with a 90 percent reduction of CO2 emissions,” said Mathieu Petiteau, newbuilding and R&D director at Ponant. “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 decarbonizing 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 nonfossil fuels for the transport sector.

“The whole B100 biofuel production sector is certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification System,” Ponant stated.

ISCC is an international standard recognized by the European Union, which 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 emission-reduction targets.

With CO2 emissions 90 percent lower than fossil fuels, it exceeds European requirements for 2035.

In compliance with legislation, the first bunkering is 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, according to Ponant.

Once this trial stage has been completed, Ponant plans to roll out its use of B100 to the rest of its fleet, subject to supply capacities.