PONANT designed icebreaking cruise vessel in close cooperation with Aker Arctic and Stirling Design International
PONANT has developed an innovative and environmentally friendly luxury cruise vessel in close cooperation with Aker Arctic and Stirling Design International since the beginning of 2016. According to Aker Arctic, the PONANT Icebreaker intends to take passengers to never explored polar destinations, such as true geographic North Pole, the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea and Peter I Island.
To ensure operation in these harsh and ice infested areas, PONANT contracted Aker Arctic to take part in the design of the vessel. Prior to start of the development, the different operational areas were evaluated to set up the design basis for the operation and vessel technical requirements. Aker Arctic has utilized its long-term experience as an icebreaker designer in developing this world's first luxury icebreaker cruise vessel with PC 2 ice class. "We are delighted to work with the world’s leading expedition operator PONANT and ship design company Stirling Design International. The combined expertise of the companies involved in the project has resulted in this pioneering cruise vessel for the polar regions" states CEO Reko-Antti Suojanen, Aker Arctic.
PONANT has confirmed the order with the Norwegian shipyard VARD which has previously also built icebreaking vessels based on Aker Arctic design. "We are looking for a continued co-operation in the building phase of the project" says Reko-Antti Suojanen.
Aker Arctic Technology Inc is an independent company specializing in development, design, engineering, consulting and testing services for ice-going vessels, icebreakers, offshore marine structures, marine transport solutions and ports. The Company operates an ice test facility in Helsinki. The Company’s experienced personnel combined with world’s most extensive reference list of icebreaker designs provide unparalleled advantage to our customers. The Company actively develops new vessel designs and technologies and with our partners turn them into successes.
PONANT is the only French cruise line and world No 1 for polar cruises, PONANT was founded in 1988 by Jean Emmanuel Sauvée and a dozen Merchant Navy officers. Today the company has established itself as the reference for a new style of luxury cruises with its unique concept of sea travel, combining exceptional itineraries and five-star facilities aboard small capacity ships.
