PONANT NAMES NEW ICEBREAKER SHIP LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT

The only cruise line to operate flying the French flag, Ponant has announced the name of its newest polar class expedition ship, Le Commandant Charcot which is set to launch in 2021.
 
The hybrid electric icebreaker has been named in honour of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot, who was known as ‘the gentleman of the Poles’.

Le Commandant Charcot will boast a number of technologically advanced features aimed at minimizing the environmental impact. The icebreaker will also have a scientific laboratory for conducting operational oceanography missions and research.
 
Itineraries will include cruising to sail the Geographical North Pole (latitude 90 degrees North) and parts of Antarctica, including as the Ross Sea, Charcot Island and Peter Island.
 
The new vessel will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). In additional, Le Commandant Charcot will be built with a number of other environmentally friendly innovations. “Cleanship” equipment which will exceed the requirements imposed by current environmental regulations will result in the reduction of SO2, NOₓ, CO2 and emissions particles. The majority of this reduction in pollutants is due to the use of LNG. When cruising in hybrid electric mode the vessel will give off zero emissions, thanks to the latest-generation of electric batteries, making it possible to stop the engines for two to three hours.
 
Passenger facilities on board Le Commandant Charcot will includes a panoramic restaurant, winter garden, indoor and outdoor pool, open air bar, theatre, main lounge, observatory bar, spa and a sports hall. The ship will also feature four two-deck Duplex suites at the stern and have 16 on board expedition Zodiacs.
 
Pre-bookings for Le Commandant Charcot opened on 06 September 2018, with bookings starting 11 April 2019.