by Ana Figueroa
Last updated: 11:18 AM ET, Fri September 7, 2018
Luxury expedition line PONANT has announced the name of its new icebreaker.
The Le Commandant Charcot, a hybrid electric expedition vessel, will debut in 2021. Its name honors French explorer Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot, a renowned figure in polar expeditions.
PONANT is the only French-owned cruise line.
Le Commandant Charcot will feature a scientific laboratory onboard, for oceanographic research. It will also feature the latest environmental protection technology.
Powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the ship's "Cleanship" equipment will reduce emissions. In fact, it will release zero emissions when operated in hybrid electric mode.
The newest generation of electric batteries will make it possible to stop the engines for two to three hours. The ship also features an advanced waste-water treatment system.
Itineraries on Le Commandant Charcot will call on the Geographic North Pole (latitude 90 degrees North) and parts of Antarctica, including the Ross Sea, Charcot Island, and Peter Island.
In addition to Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT will have four new expedition vessels in operation by 2020. Pre-bookings on Le Commandant Charcot at early bird prices are currently open.
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