On 28 September 2021, PONANT celebrated the launch of its 13th ship in its' fleet, launched during a highly emotional ceremony attended by Anne Manipoud-Charcot, the explorer's great grand-daughter, Hervé Gastinel, PONANT's CEO and Captains Etienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau.

“The boldness of this project is not just about taking passengers to the far corners of the Arctic and the Antarctic, it is about doing it safely and following the same values and principles of seamanship that move us. Our values are first about respect for nature – this nature that is so dear to us, all the more knowing how much we owe the oceans and the fragile eco-systems we travel. Polar regions deserve the highest respect and attention. We are committed to this mission every day and today even more,” said Hervé Gastinel, PONANT's CEO.

World-renowned Chef Alain Ducasse, architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, director Luc Jacquet, and designer Jean-Philippe Nuel were among the guests alongside other partners of the company including Vard shipyard, Stirling Design International and Aker Arctic.

The launch follows PONANT's completion of the first Ship to Ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation in France on Le Commandant Charcot, in partnership with Gasum, LNG bunkering pioneer. The ship has been eco-designed to employ the latest green technologies starting with LNG, the cleanest fuel available today. It took six years to design and build the prototype of the ship, the first of its kind. Since her delivery on 29 July 2021, the first LNG bunkering operation took place on 25 August in partnership with Gasum in Norway, with the second on 24 September 2021.

In another milestone, Le Commandant Charcot reached the geographic North Pole on 6 September 2021. With Captain Etienne Garcia at the helm and Captain Marchesseau by his side, it was the very first French ship to meet the North Pole (90,000,00°). In attendance was Alastair Newton, Director of PONANT's National Geographic partnership, as well as a scientist and naturalist. The momentous dry run occasion was captured on video uploaded on PONANT's YouTube channel.

Le Commandant Charcot is the first passenger vessel to have high-pressure LNG membrane tanks installed, providing the ship with up to two months autonomy on natural gas, plus impressive bunkering, and operational flexibility, and guaranteeing an even higher standard of safety. It paves the way for new natural gas propulsion methods that are more respectful of the environment and help meet CO2 reduction targets set by the Paris Agreement.

Minimising the environmental impact of its business is a priority for PONANT, and LNG is currently the most eco-friendly marine fuel available. Switching to this energy source totally eliminates SOx emissions and reduces NOx emissions by 85%. LNG also emits 20% less CO2 compared to conventional marine fuels.

“These LNG bunkering operations are the culmination of several years of analysis, engineering and trials to find the safest and most efficient way to perform this operation. The shop reached the geographic North Pole for the first time on 6 September 2021, using liquefied natural gas throughout the long voyage. We are completely satisfied and particularly proud of the technical innovations developed on this ship which have enabled us to achieve such outstanding results in terms of performance,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT.

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ABOUT LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
Eco-designed and at the cutting-edge of technology, Le Commandant Charcot is without any doubt the most ground-breaking ship in the PONANT fleet, with its hybrid electric Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system. This major innovation is aligned with the commitment of the company to sustainable tourism. This Polar Class - PC2 ship was designed with the highest attention in mind in terms of safety, comfort and respect for the environment in order to sail and explore the extreme and far-reached territories of the Arctic and the Antarctic, in complete self-sufficiency. Certified 'Cleanship' by Bureau Veritas, Le Commandant Charcot displays the latest green technologies onboard including waste recycling and sewage management.

With 123 cabins, this innovative polar ship, which can carry up to 245 guests, will be able to reach polar destinations, until now out of reach, such as the geographic north pole, the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea or Pierre-1st island. It is also fitted with facilities and equipment for research, providing the scientific world with a platform for observation, research and analysis to study the polar eco-systems.

ABOUT PONANT
Created in 1988, by officers of the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a new style of cruising, under the French flag, through a unique conception of sea travel blending a pioneering spirit, French-inspired hospitality and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Accessing exceptional territories aboard small-capacity luxury expedition ships featuring refined design, on which the art of living and excellent cuisine take pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and authentic voyage with PONANT, the world leader of luxury expeditions.

For more information, visit au.ponant.com

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MEDIA CONTACT
Elysée Collective | Alice Moore, Director, Élysée Collective
+61 (0) 402 693 366
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Elysée Collective | Maddy Hall, Account Director, Élysée Collective
+61 (0) 423 134 473
maddy@elyseecollective.com.au