Ponant’s LNG-powered polar exploration vessel in first cool-down op

Ponant’s LNG-powered, hybrid-electric polar cruise and exploration vessel has completed its first cool-down operation as it prepares for gas trials.

Norway’s Vard, a unit of Italy’s Fincantieri, is completing the luxury vessel at its yard in Søviknes. Ponant recently revealed the vessel had started its sea trials.

Finland’s Gasum said on Wednesday it supported the gassing-up and cool-down for the Ponant vessel named Le Commandant Charcot.

According to Gasum, the vessel is undergoing final outfitting and will soon be ready for delivery.

“During the operation at the Vard Søviknes yard, the very first gas was let into
the vessel to gas-up and cool-down the systems to prepare her for final testing before upcoming sea trials,” Gasum said.

Ponant’s LNG-powered polar exploration vessel in first cool-down op
Image: Ponant/Emerick Le Mouel

Featuring a 270-passenger capacity, Ponant claims this is the world’s first LNG-powered, hybrid-electric passenger vessel to navigate in polar waters.

In addition, the BV-classed ship will have Icebreaker 3 and POLAR CAT-A service notations, and features POLAR CLASS 2.

The vessel has dual-fuel engines but also two GTT’s Mark III membrane technology tanks for a total capacity of 4500 cbm, enabling it to complete its entire voyage on LNG.

Most Popular

Coastal Bend LNG plans large Texas export plant

Coastal Bend LNG said it had initiated development of a 22.5 million ton per annum (mtpa) natural gas liquefaction and export facility on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Golden Pass LNG contractors agree terms for second and third train

Japan's Chiyoda and US-based McDermott have signed a binding term sheet with Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture owned by QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, to complete the construction of the second and third liquefaction units at the giant LNG export plant in Texas.

HD Hyundai Samho scores contract to build LNG carrier quartet

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Samho has secured an order to build four liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers for about $1.03 billion.

More News Like This

Gasum in Norwegian bio-LNG move

Finnish state-owned energy firm Gasum has signed a deal with Norway's Vireo to purchase all the bio-LNG produced at the latter's Hardanger biogas plant in Norway.

Gasum, Sirius order LNG bunkering vessel at RMK

Finnish state-owned energy firm and LNG supplier, Gasum, has joined forces with Swedish shipping firm Sirius to order one LNG bunkering vessel at Turkiye's RMK Marine.

Wartsila wins contract for Gasum’s bio-LNG plant in Sweden

Finland’s tech firm Wartsila said it will supply equipment for Gasum’s new bio-LNG production plant in Sweden. Wartsila booked the...

Ponant’s LNG-powered vessel in North Pole first

According to Ponant, Le Commandant Charcot reached the location on September 12, becoming the first ship to reach the...