23 Feb 2022
On route for Science with PONANT
PONANT's involvement in the study of the regions it explores contributes to improve scientists' knowledge of these ecosystems and works towards protecting the planet. Le Commandant Charcot's state-of-the-art specifications have not only revolutionised navigation capabilities, they also offer a remarkable tool to the international scientific community. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in making PONANT a key research partner, on which scientists can rely while leading their research independently.
A robust and lasting commitment to academic science
The resources provided by Le Commandant Charcot are an extension to actions already taken by PONANT to facilitate research. Analysis of coral reefs for the University of Oxford, recording cetacean sounds for bio-acoustician Michel André or observing the behaviour of humpback whales with the NGO Conservation International, are just a few examples.
But the novelty lies in the unique features on Le Commandant Charcot which allow researchers specialised in polar regions – such as biologists, geographers, climatologists, and ethnologists – to access unexplored or rarely covered places and extend the duration of their polar campaigns on a repeat basis. The ship also offers science facilities with two research laboratories (including one with openings on to the sea) as well as autonomous measuring instruments.
The EPHE (École Pratique des Hautes Études), the University of Washington, and IFREMER (French Institute for Research and Exploitation of the Sea), are already involved in this program. Several scientists have already been on board Le Commandant Charcot, including Ted Cheeseman (Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia), Johan Etourneau (Unité Mixte de Recherches Environnements et Paléoenvironnements Océaniques et Continentaux, EPOC, Bordeaux), Hanne Sagen (Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center, NERSC, Bergen, Norway), and Camille Lique (IFREMER). The latter, an oceanographer, explains why: “We were able to immerse instruments to obtain data on temperatures, salinity,
and water properties from the surface to the depths. We have also deployed instruments that remain in the Arctic collecting data in the years to come. Le Commandant Charcot offers incredible opportunities for cutting-edge science”.
Citizen science activities
Alongside the academic science project, PONANT commits to offering its guests an opportunity to take part in the many projects led on board. Workshops and scientific protocols are animated by the naturalist experts on board, enabling the guests to get actively involved and feel they are making a tangible contribution to science. It was with this in mind that a partnership was set up with The Polar Citizen Science Collective, an association running and coordinating this type of workshop. Data collected for projects like the marine species census, cloud cover observations, or phytoplankton sampling are all being fed into programmes such as Happywhale, Globe Clouds, FjordPhyto and Seabird Surveys. The scientists on board also give lectures on the concerns behind their various missions.
Issues that Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT, puts at the heart of the company's commitments: “For us, putting our technical and human resources at the service of science to create opportunities for research is a logical extension to raising our guests' awareness of issues related to protecting the planet. With Le Commandant Charcot, and in the heritage of her eponymous explorer, our commitment to science is officially anchored as an integral part of our identity”.
A commitment that reinforces PONANT's unique concept of travel, and through which it is forging a lasting bond with a planet that still has so many mysteries to reveal.
ABOUT PONANT
Created in 1988, by officers of the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a new style of cruising, under the French flag, through a unique conception of sea travel blending a pioneering spirit, French-inspired hospitality, and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Accessing exceptional territories aboard small-capacity luxury expedition ships featuring refined design, on which the art of living and excellent cuisine takes pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and authentic voyage with PONANT, the world leader of luxury expeditions.
For more information, visit au.ponant.com
PHOTO LIBRARY
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MEDIA CONTACT
Elysée Collective | Alice Moore, Director, Élysée Collective
+61 (0) 402 693 366
Elysée Collective | Maddy Hall, Account Director, Élysée Collective
+61 (0) 423 134 473
