Ponant will name its four new expedition ships after French
explorers.
Ponant said its selection of the names Laperouse, Champlain,
Bouganville and Kerguelen “reflects Ponant’s loyalty to the French flag … a
guarantee of environmental quality, ship safety and good working conditions.”
The names also reflect that the ships are “designed to gain
access to the most inaccessible locations and to go further, where others do
not go,” the French cruise line said.
The first two vessels are due for delivery by summer 2018,
the last two by summer 2019.
Ponant’s expedition ships will measure 430 feet in length
and will have 92 cabins and suites and a crew of 110. Its eco-friendly features
are a dynamic positioning system to avoid dropping anchor, thereby protecting
the sea bed; silent and fuel-efficient electronic propulsion; FarSounder sonar
providing 3D vision of the sea bed at different depths; diesel engines that can
run on lighter marine diesel oil; onboard wastewater and sewage treatment
systems; and low-energy bulbs for lighting.
Cruises will be “designed to bring you as close as possible
to nature for a thrilling, unforgettable experience,” Ponant said.