PONANT in the highest latitudes
Scroll to explore
On 27 September 2022, the world’s only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, completed another feat of navigation by becoming the first French cruise ship to cross the McClure Strait. An eastern arm of the Beaufort Sea on the edge of the Canadian Northwest Territories, the Strait is renowned for difficult ice conditions similar to those of the Northwest Passage
Discover Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot took his guests to the heart of the Canadian Northwest Territories. The ship indeed sailed through the Northwest Passage and the Fury and Hecla Strait, whose 200 years of discovery are being celebrated this year. It then crossed the McClure Strait and the Beaufort Sea, before following the American continent to reach Antarctica. The extreme weather conditions of this region of the globe make navigation very challenging. Le Commandant Charcot will remain the first cruise ship to sail through this perilous strait.
Etienne Garcia
"We have crossed the Northwest Passage in difficult conditions. The McClure Strait is regularly impassable with thick ice, and the weather remains unpredictable in this region. Le Commandant Charcot is designed for this kind of challenges, which are significant moments for the sailor that I am. Another milestone achieved to add to Le Commandant Charcot's list of records!"
Unique encounters
Le Commandant Charcot had already taken guests to the geographic North Pole (90,00,000°) for the first time last July. it also achieved a first milestone in February 2022 by reaching the southernmost navigable latitude in the Ross Sea. In addition to experiencing a historic voyage, guests had the opportunity to observe up to 10 polar bears on this new journey; an exceptional spectacle of nature.
Science on board
During this voyage, two scientists were present: Marion Fourquez from the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography and Nicolas Cassar from Duke University in the United States. Both specialised in marine microbiology, they were able to conduct their research on this maritime route that is usually less traveled. With Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT is thus supporting the collection of data and the acquisition of new knowledge for the scientific community.
Pioneer and responsible
Le Commandant Charcot is the first high polar exploration vessel, electric hybrid powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas). This innovation deeply reflects PONANT's commitment to more sustainable tourism with minimised environmental impact. As a scientific research vessel, it welcomes researchers on board by providing dedicated workspaces for them.