France's Ponant Explorations Group signed a memorandum of understanding alongside ArcelorMittal to integrate XCarb low-carbon heavy plate into shipbuilding operations. The partnership aims to construct vessel hulls entirely using XCarb steel manufactured in Gijón, Spain. Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore will certify materials ensuring compliance alongside marine standards. The companies will evaluate steel traceability systems enabling recovery & reuse at vessel lifecycle end, supporting circular economy models aligned alongside Hong Kong Convention requirements. The initiative forms part of Ponant's Swap2Zero programme developing near-zero-emission cruise ships.