Ponant Expeditions doubles down on sustainable exploration with new ventures

• Ponant Expeditions is expanding it small ship luxury operations.
• But it is also maintaining its strong footprint in sustainability.
• Deputy CEO Belinda Hindmarch told a recent gathering what’s in store for the line with a strong commitment to Australia.

Ponant, the French-based cruise company, is not only expanding its global reach but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and responsible travel.

The company is aggressively pursuing a strategy that combines ambitious acquisitions with a deep-rooted ethos of environmental consciousness, as outlined by Ponant Expeditions Deputy CEO Global Business, Belinda Hindmarsh, at a recent Sydney event.

Ponant’s journey from a luxury sailing yacht operator to a global expedition leader has been marked by a dedication to seeking out unique and culturally significant destinations. Now, with a series of strategic moves, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable exploration.

“For those of you that don’t know us so well,” Hindmarsh explained, “ultimately it boils down to three key things: a pioneering spirit, a complete focus on sustainability, and the unique, iconic destinations that we feature.”

Sustainable Exporation

Founded 36 years ago in Marseilles, Ponant’s initial vision was to bring travellers to “unique parts of the globe” with a focus on minimising environmental impact. This commitment has been bolstered by the company’s affiliation with Groupe Artémis, the luxury goods conglomerate owned by the Pinault family. This connection not only elevates Ponant’s position in the luxury market, alongside prestigious sister brands like Gucci, but also reinforces a long-term vision of responsible and sustainable growth.

“We are deeply anchored to the luxury ecosystem,” Hindmarsh emphasised, highlighting the benefits of being part of this “incredible Artémis group” and its values.

Expanding Horizons

Ponant’s dedication to sustainable exploration is evident in its recent strategic moves:

• Aqua Expeditions Acquisition: This acquisition has expanded Ponant’s portfolio to include river cruising, bringing a new dimension to its offerings. Importantly, Aqua Expeditions shares Ponant’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring that these new ventures align with the company’s core values.
• Paul Gauguin Refit: The recent refurbishment of the Paul Gauguin, now part of the Ponant family, incorporated state-of-the-art sustainable technologies. This includes significant upgrades to the ship’s engines and hardware to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, as well as the implementation of advanced food waste management systems.

These initiatives demonstrate Ponant’s proactive approach to minimizing its environmental footprint and ensuring the long-term health of the destinations it explores.

Global Reach

Ponant’s dedication to seeking unique destinations has led to a diverse portfolio that spans the globe, encompassing:

• Polar Expeditions: A leader in polar exploration, offering voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic.
• European Voyages: Small-ship cruises navigating European waters, accessing less crowded ports.
• Kimberley Adventures: Expedition-style cruising in Australia’s Kimberley region.
• South American Rivers: River expeditions along South America’s waterways through Aqua Expeditions.
• Tahiti and French Polynesia: Voyages capturing the beauty and culture of this region through Paul Gauguin Cruises.

OzHarvest – a new partnership

Hindmarsh also highlighted Ponant’s new partnership with OzHarvest, an Australian food rescue organization, emphasising the alignment of values between the two entities.

“We’re so excited about this partnership, not only because it makes such a difference, but also because our values are so aligned,” she explained.

This collaboration will see Ponant working with OzHarvest, particularly in the Northern Territory, where the cruise line has been operating for over a decade, to reduce food waste and support local communities.

“We see a lot of incredible growth ahead,” Hindmarsh concluded, emphasizing Ponant’s commitment to “building bridges between people and cultures” and inviting travelers to join them in exploring the world in a responsible and meaningful way.