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A world-renowned chef as well as scientists, naturalists and relatives of explorers were all in attendance at the launch of Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot. The new vessel is the World’s first cruise ship to use hybrid-electric LNG propulsion.
Six years in the making, Le Commandant Charcot is arguably the most eco-friendly cruise ship ever built. Indeed, she can operate for up to two months on a single tank of natural gas. Ponant say it paves the way for new natural gas propulsion methods that will help meet CO2 reduction targets set by the Paris Agreement.
“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.”
Hervé Gastinel – CEO, Ponant.
Alain Ducasse and others witness Le Commandant Charcot launch
In attendance at the launch was legendary French chef, Alain Ducasse. He guides Ponant’s famed on board gastronomy. Also there was the Director of Ponant’s National Geographic partnership, naturalist Alastair Newton. Importantly, so too was Anne Manipoud-Charcot, the great grand-daughter of iconic French explorer Commandant Charcot.
Le Commandant Charcot leading a green revolution
Le Commandant Charcot is arguably the World’s most eco-friendly cruise ship. It utilises the latest green technologies as well as LNG, which is the cleanest marine fuel available today.
Indeed, Le Commandant Charcot is the first passenger vessel to use high-pressure LNG membrane tanks. These give the ship up to two months autonomy on natural gas.
It all helps reduce emissions. CO2 is reduced by 20% while certain other pollutants are totally eliminated.
Sailing to places never previously visited
The 245-guest Le Commandant Charcot will take guests to previously inaccessible polar destinations, including the geographic north pole, the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea and Pierre I island.
For more information visit the Ponant website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
