Mauritius-based shipbuilder Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien has launched a new polar expedition yacht ordered by French operator Selar.
Captain Arctic is being built jointly by Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien and UAE-based engineering firm Goltens and will sail under the French flag. Design work was undertaken by naval architecture firm Ship-ST.
The 70-metre yacht will initially operate in Norway and Greenland following her scheduled delivery later this year 2026.
The vessel will boast a hybrid propulsion arrangement consisting of sails, solar panels, battery packs, and an engine that can operate on plant-based biodiesel as backup.
Features designed to help reduce energy consumption will include reinforced insulation, pellet boilers, and a heat recovery system.
A hydrogenerator will be activated when the vessel is underway on wind propulsion only.
The yacht will also be equipped to operate as a platform for scientific research, allowing for more thorough studies of the Arctic.
Captain Arctic will be able to accommodate up to 30 guests in 16 cabins, one of which will also be wheelchair-accessible. Other onboard facilities will include a lounge, a library, a gym, a sauna, and a restaurant.
