Ponant’s spanking new vessel breaks the ice

Ice abstraction background, pattern

Luxury expedition cruise line Ponant yesterday announced it was one step closer to launching its revolutionary icebreaker, slated for a 2021 debut.

Speaking to assorted media at Sydney’s Aria restaurant, Ponant’s Asia Pacific chairman Sarina Bratton thanked them for their support.

This was followed by the cruise line’s head of expeditions, Nicolas Dubreuil provided an update on the vessel’s progress, with the news that preliminary testing was complete.

The PC2 class vessel will be a polar luxury expedition ship and a hybrid electric icebreaker powered by liquid natural gas, fitted with the latest environmental protection technology.

It will have the capacity to sail through 2.5m thick ice in northern and southern polar extremes, all while keeping guests ensconced in luxury surrounds.

The icebreaker will give passengers the chance to reach the geographic North Pole, cross the Arctic Ocean, discover Greenland’s northeast region as well as explore the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea, and Peter Island.

The vessel will include 135 staterooms and suits with balconies including 68 suites with patio doors and private balconies.

With a complement of 187 crew, the vessel will also have 3 restaurants, a spa, and wellness centre, plus 16 expedition Zodiacs and 2 onboard helicopters.

The icebreaker’s environmental and tech credentials are extensive, with zero emissions when in electric hybrid mode as well as compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s 2020 regulations on sulfur emissions levels.

The vessel will also have an advanced wastewater treatment system and an onboard laboratory.

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