Ponant in collaboration with Sir David Attenborough
Le Commandant Charcot, a luxury polar exploration vessel of the French cruise line Ponant, partnered with the British polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough on their mission in support of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration.
Le Commandant Charcot and RRS Sir David Attenborough recently entered service in 2021, with their missions to operate in the polar regions. While RRS Sir David Attenborough is focused on the science and logistical support of British research stations, Le Commandant Charcot was built specifically to take guests on high-latitude journeys, while conducting scientific research along the way. When he realized that both ships would accidentally meet at Carroll Inlet at 73 ° 15 South, he offered the perfect opportunity to combine the capabilities of both vessels to work in tandem.
Le Commandant Charcot e RRS Sir David Attenborough
RRS Sir David Attenborough
Le Commandant Charcot features a unique PC2 hull design, with the ability to navigate in “double-acting mode”, specifically allowing the ship to tackle thicker and denser ice; she does it faster and more efficiently by navigating backwards. Le Commandant Charcot opened a canal by sailing aft, followed by RRS Sir David Attenborough, that works to widen the canal. This collaboration made it possible to open a 3NM channel in just 3 hours. Despite the creation of a canal and the approach to the depot site, once Le Commandant Charcot had left for his next destination, sea ice conditions were unfavorable and RRS Sir David Attenborough turned around. She is now looking for an alternate location nearby to drop off the cargo for the Thwaites Glacier.
Le Commandant Charcot e RRS Sir David Attenborough
“When we realized we had the opportunity to work together to support RRS Sir David Attenborough, we left immediately. This cooperation fully illustrates the values of Ponant, which was founded by sailors and engages in scientific activities and shows exactly what can be achieved through teamwork, ”explains Captain Patrick Marchesseau aboard the Le Commandant Charcot. “Furthermore, it was a unique opportunity for our guests to see firsthand the challenges involved in polar science. We are already discussing the possibility of continuing to collaborate with RRS Sir David Attenborough on future trips, where our itinerary allows”.
Le Commandant Charcot e RRS Sir David Attenborough
Le Comandante Charcot is a hybrid electric LNG ship. She is the world’s first PC2 polar-class ship, making her the world’s safest and most capable passenger ship for polar exploration, as well as one of the most luxurious. She offers trips to explore the depths of Antarctica and as far as the North Pole, while simultaneously inviting scientists from around the world to use its onboard laboratories to conduct research to deepen our understanding of these remote regions.
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