Le Commandant Charcot PONANT Ponant expands its fleet with a new Polar Explorer, combining sustainable technology with elegant interiors by Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Jean-Philippe Nuel. Words: Lauren Ho • Photography: © Gilles Trillard (unless otherwise stated)
W
ith an air of luxury inconceivable to
gas (LNG) – currently the cleanest fuel on the
early 20th-century Antarctic explorers
market – as well as to feature ABB Azipods, an
like Sir Ernest Shackleton, French
advanced electric propulsion system designed
cruise operator Ponant has taken things to a
to manoeuvre through the toughest of sea
new level with the unveiling of Le Commandant
ice conditions. She is also the first to develop
Charcot. Named after French polar scientist
advanced ice-routing software with navigation
Jean-Baptiste Charcot, the icebreaking ship
software publisher Adrena, and, thanks to her
- the brand’s first Polar Explorer – is setting
innovative hull with a bulbless bow – capable of
new standards for sustainability at sea, using
sailing in 2.5m thick ice – is the first PC2 Polar
technology that promises minimal impact on
Class ship of her type.
the environment. “Ponant is at the forefront
From a guest perspective, the vessel brings
of environmental preservation in the cruise
a host of exclusive facilities to the Ponant fleet,
industry,” says Nicolas Dubreuil, Director of
including a sprawling spa with an indoor pool
Expeditions at Ponant Explorer and a Sedna
and a juice bar, a promenade deck with benches
Expert in the Polar Environment. “Our 13 small
heated by recycled energy, hot and cold outdoor
ships are fitted with state-of-the-art equipment
lagoon pools arranged around a giant fire pit
and technology; we recycle our water and waste,
– also with outdoor seating heated by recycled
and we undertake environmental and social
energy – and a cigar lounge. This is the first
impact studies ahead of our expedition cruises.”
time, too, that Alain Ducasse has partnered with
Indeed, Le Commandant Charcot specifically
a cruise brand to reveal Nuna, a fine dining
is kitted out with several pioneering firsts.
restaurant with a daily-changing menu that
In terms of technology, she is the first polar
features the chef’s most celebrated dishes.
explorer ship to be powered by liquified natural
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For the occasion, Ponant has also fine-tuned
