Ponant islands’ maritime service and adaptations of island firms: A first step towards ecological transition?

¹ UMR LETG 6554, IUEM, University of Western Brittany, Rue Dumont d’Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France
² UMR AMURE 6308, IUEM, University of Western Brittany, Rue Dumont d’Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

In Brittany (France), which ensures the territorial continuity of eleven Ponant islands, maritime island transport accounts for 9% of greenhouse gases emissions among regional jurisdictions. Coastal and island territories are particularly affected by climate change (erosion, sea flooding, degradation of marine ecosystems…). At a time of decarbonization, this article examines, through the analysis of field observations and interviews, the transport system in the face of the transition challenges. What practices already in place today can fall under adaptation to climate change, both for the transport system and for professional users such as island firms? Transport services to the Ponant islands are adapted to small and vital flows, with a reduced fleet, limited-service consistency, and micro-ports. Sailing transport initiatives, for passengers or freight, are emerging to decarbonize transport. As for island firms, in order to adapt to the small size of their territory and the maritime disruption in reaching the mainland, they already seem to be adopting an approach of sobriety, favouring short supply chains and resource circularity, and adapting to the recurring bad weather that disrupts connections. These elements of logistical resilience help reduce the ecological cost of maritime transport to the Ponant islands. While these adaptive behaviours are a first step toward ecological transition, the latter must also include broader adaptations concerning the fleet and port infrastructure in order to achieve carbon neutrality in the sector.