Construction begins on Ponant’s newest polar exploration ship

Construction of Ponant's new polar exploration vessel Le Commandant Charcot has begun at Vard's shipyard in Tulcea, Romania.

Delivery of the vessel, named after celebrated French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, is scheduled for 2021.

Le Commandant Charcot will be powered by LNG and will come equipped with features that help minimise environmental impact as well as a laboratory optimised for oceanographic research.