In a remarkable feat of exploration, 20 scientists from around the world initiated a historic journey across the Arctic Ocean from west to east in September 2024. This pioneering expedition was part of PONANT’s Science Programme and took place aboard Le Commandant Charcot, recognized as the world’s sole luxury icebreaker. Researchers from prestigious institutions, including IPS, AWI, and JAMSTEC, collaborated on this mission to study the effects of global warming on polar regions, involving passengers in the process.

A Historic Journey

Traveling over 6,400 km between Alaska and Spitsbergen, this expedition marked the first-ever west to east crossing of the Arctic Ocean. The CHARCOT project united scientists from seven nationalities across 11 universities and institutes, leading six missions in areas such as the carbon cycle, Arctic Ocean physics, ecosystem functions, and microplastics.

Le Commandant Charcot is tailored for extreme conditions. With a Polar Class 2 hull and hybrid electric propulsion powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the vessel minimizes its ecological footprint while traversing polar areas. It is equipped with two laboratories to collect and analyze water, ice, and air samples and features a new SIMS (Sea Ice Monitoring Station) antenna that consistently monitors ice thickness.

Science on Board

Daniel Cron emphasized the coordination challenges posed by varying samples and unpredictable ice conditions. Despite these hurdles, the scientists engaged in knowledge sharing via talks and podcasts organized as part of the “Science Talks.” These informative discussions enabled guests to participate actively, witnessing sample collection from the ice pack and enjoying translations of seven scientific talks into English, French, and Mandarin, five round tables, and two film screenings followed by Q&A sessions.

Join the Adventure in 2025

In 2025, guests can partake in a similar transarctic expedition, experiencing the excitement of discovery in one of the planet’s most isolated ecosystems. The “Transarctic, the Quest for the Two North Poles” expedition will set off from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, leading to Nome, Alaska, spanning 20 nights aboard Le Commandant Charcot.

The PONANT Science Programme Expands

The PONANT EXPLORATIONS Group is dedicated to enhancing scientific research opportunities within their entire fleet. In 2024, three additional ships—L’Austral, Le Soléal, and m/s Paul Gauguin—welcomed research teams in the Antarctic and Polynesia. In 2025, five ships, equipped with essential facilities, will host researchers as well. Additionally, PONANT Science will directly support three research projects, making data available openly for research institutions, with an independent committee of scientific experts reviewing all applications.

Continuing Research with POLARIN5

The scientific inquiry into polar environments persists with POLARIN5, a broader initiative facilitating transnational access to polar research infrastructures. Le Commandant Charcot will remain operational until 2029 to aid interdisciplinary studies into complex processes.

For those eager to embark on this extraordinary journey, sign up for PONANT’s transarctic expedition in 2025 to witness the wonders of polar research and exploration.

Find out more on the PONANT website.