Ponant Explorations’ Le Commandant Charcot is set to embark on a groundbreaking expedition, becoming the first ship to circumnavigate Antarctica from January to March 2028. This ambitious voyage will explore remote and uncharted regions of the continent.
Le Commandant Charcot is specially designed for polar expeditions. Its PC2 polar hull allows the vessel to navigate icy waters, while its hybrid electric engine, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), reduces environmental impact. The ship sails under the French flag and adheres to the highest safety and environmental standards.
The journey will begin in Ushuaia, Argentina, in January 2028. The ship will head west toward Hobart, Tasmania, for a two-day stopover before continuing along the eastern coast of Antarctica. The expedition will cover 34 days of exploration, with an itinerary created by Captains Etienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau. Both captains have extensive experience in ice navigation and have previously led Ponant Explorations’ ships in polar regions. They will jointly command Le Commandant Charcot during this exclusive voyage.
Captain Garcia emphasized the importance of the expedition, saying, “Ponant Explorations is about sharing those moments of awe as we witness nature’s power. Being personally involved in this project, I’m committed to guiding guests as we explore this new maritime route and experience nature’s marvels.”
The expedition promises to offer a rare adventure, connecting the legacy of legendary polar explorers with the future of exploration. Captain Garcia reflected on his past experiences, saying, “Sailing the Ross Sea on Le Commandant Charcot, I followed in the footsteps of explorers like Ross, Shackleton, and Amundsen. The majesty of the landscapes and the stories of human achievement inspired me. Now, we aim to offer our guests the thrill of the first complete circumnavigation of Antarctica—a place where humans have never set foot.”
Le Commandant Charcot is fully equipped to support a variety of polar activities, including Zodiac excursions, snowshoe hikes, kayaking, and the polar plunge. The ship also features two laboratories—one dry and one wet—designed to collect and analyze water, ice, and air samples. A new SIMS antenna will continuously measure ice thickness throughout the voyage.
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