Ponant Explorations Group recently announced that it will incorporate ArcelorMittal's XCarb® low carbon-emissions steel into its future newbuilding projects to improve the overall carbon reduction performance of its fleet. 

These steel plates, manufactured at ArcelorMittal’s Gijon plant in Spain, are available in various specifications and come with environmental product declarations. The goal is for both parties to eventually construct entire vessel hulls using ArcelorMittal’s XCarb® steel.

This collaboration also lays a key foundation for Ponant's Swap2Zero project, which aims to develop the first near-zero emission ocean-going cruise ship, expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80%. 

Furthermore, the two companies are exploring the establishment of a steel tracking and recycling process to enable the reuse of materials after ship retirement, implementing the concept of a circular economy.