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VARD, a Norwegian subsidiary of Fincantieri, signed an agreement with the French shipowner PONANT on the last December 19th, for the supply of two new generation small luxury cruise ships.
In addition, VARD will deliver "Le Commandant Charcot", the first LNG-powered Arctic hybrid-electric cruise ship, to PONANT in 2021.
The two new boats represent the evolution of the "PONANT EXPLORERS" class, and will operate in the South Pacific area for the "PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES" brand, with the delivery scheduled for 2022. They will have a gross tonnage of 11 thousand tons and will be able to hold about 230 passengers each.
The two ships, in order to have the least possible impact on the environment, their eco-design will be inspired by three objectives: energy optimization to ensure minimum consumption (which includes the improvement of the hydrodynamics of the hull, more efficient equipment, and an innovative energy recovery system); the reduction of underwater noise; the improvement of waste treatment, with the "Super Cleanship" certification by Bureau Veritas.
As explained by the CEO of Ponant, Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, the two ships "will shut down the engines and stop all emissions every day during each stop, for almost ten hours a day. Ships of limited capacity and technologically advanced and in terms of environmental protection: this project fully reflects our philosophy of sustainable tourism".
“The confirm of the collaboration with a lively operator such as Ponant, which will reach 13 units in total, for a new generation project strongly inspired by the environment protection, it’s a great satisfaction”, said Fincantieri CEO Giuseppe Bono.
Source: fincantieri.com | 2
