Construction work has officially started on Ponant’s new polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot.

The line recently held the steel-cutting ceremony at the Vard shipyard in Tulcea, Romania.

Le Commandant Charcot, which launches in 2021, will be fitted with technology to minimise its environmental impact, as well as a scientific laboratory for oceanographic research.

The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas.

Ponant CEO and co-founder, Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, said: “I am proud to be involved in the inception of a project that marks the culmination of 30 years of effort.

“Exploring little-known lands and sharing and transmitting our passion for the sea and for nature have always been our driving forces.

“Our fervent desire is that our passengers, being in daily contact with scientists and experts, and meeting with the local populations, become ambassadors for the protection of these regions.”