MARSEILLE — PONANT has officially commenced construction of its latest polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot.

At a traditional steel cutting ceremony on Nov. 6, CEO and Co-founder of PONANT, Jean Emmanuel Sauvée said that the vessel will bear the name of French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, who had a true passion for sailing. Paying tribute to this “gentleman of the poles”, Sauvée added that the ship will be fitted with the latest technology to minimize environmental impact.

Upon completion, the ship will be the first exploration vessel to surpass the ecological standards outlined in international regulations, as it will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas LNG) as an electric hybrid vessel. It will also be the first luxury expedition ship to reach the Geographic North Pole.

“I am proud to be involved in the inception of a project that marks the culmination of 30 years of effort. Exploring little-known lands and sharing and transmitting our passion for the sea and for nature have always been our driving forces. Our fervent desire is that our passengers, being in daily contact with scientists and experts, and meeting with the local populations, become ambassadors for the protection of these regions,” said Sauvée.

Delivery of the new flagship is scheduled for 2021.