Ponant’s LNG-powered polar exploration vessel nearing completion

Ponant’s first LNG-powered, hybrid-electric polar cruise and exploration vessel has set out for trials offshore Norway.

The 140 meters long icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot started its trials on April 16, according to the French cruise firm.

Norway’s Vard, a unit of Italy’s Fincantieri, is completing the luxury vessel at its yard in Søviknes. The ship designed for intense polar explorations previously arrived from Vard Tulcea in Romania.

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

Moreover, the BV-classed ship will have Icebreaker 3 and POLAR CAT-A service notations, and feature 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

BGN delivers its first LNG cargo to Germany, secures Egypt deal

Switzerland-based energy trader BGN has completed its first LNG delivery to Germany, while simultaneously securing a deal to supply Egypt with LNG.

Excelerate’s FSRU launched in South Korea

South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has launched Excelerate Energy’s new floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU).

US small-scale LNG duo agree to merge

US-based small-scale firms United Energy LNG and Power LNG have agreed to merge, creating a small-scale LNG platform that will serve industrial, power, and transportation markets across North America.

More News Like This

GTT, partners to develop new LNG carrier

French LNG containment giant GTT has signed a joint development project with seven firms to develop a 200,000-cbm LNG carrier.

GTT clinches tank gig for Capital’s LNG-powered containerships

French LNG containment giant GTT has secured a tank design order for six Capital's LNG-fueled container vessels.

GTT clinches new LNG tank gig

France’s GTT has secured a new tank design order from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for one liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.

GTT, HD Hyundai Heavy to advance LNG carrier design

French LNG containment firm GTT signed two joint development projects with South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, aimed at advancing the design of LNG carriers.