VARD: DELIVERED “LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT” TO PONANT

VARD: DELIVERED "LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT" TO PONANT

It is the first-everhybrid-powered polar exploration vessel propelled with LNG with ice-

breaking technology

Trieste, August 2, 2021 - Fincantieri's subsidiary Vard, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, delivered "Le Commandant Charcot", polar exploration vessel for the French cruise company PONANT.

The unique and state-of-the-art electric hybrid exploration vessel propelled with LNG has been developed by PONANT, Stirling Design International, Aker Arctic and VARD. The vessel is specially designed to bring passengers to discover the polar world's extreme unexplored lands such as the geographic North Pole (90 degrees North Latitude), the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea and Peter I Island. The unit, classified as Polar Class 2, will fulfill the highest standards for environmentally friendly and safe operations. It is the first-ever electric hybrid cruise vessel with ice-breaking technology and dual fuel propulsion, featuring high-capacity batteries and LNG storage on board.

"Le Commandant Charcot" is about 30,000 gross tons, about 150 meters long, and 28 meters wide. The vessel accommodates 245 passengers in 123 staterooms, in addition to a crew of 235 persons.

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Fincantieri is one of the world's largest shipbuilding groups, the only one active in all high-tech marine industry sectors. It is leader in the construction and transformation of cruise, naval and oil & gas and wind offshore vessels, as well as in the production of systems and component equipment, after-sales services and marine interiors solutions. Thanks to the expertise developed in the management of complex projects, the Group boasts first-class references in infrastructures, and is a reference player in digital technologies and cybersecurity, electronics and advanced systems.

With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri maintains its know-how, expertise and management centres in Italy, here employing 10,000 workers and creating around 90,000 jobs, which double worldwide thanks to a production network of 18 shipyards operating in four continents and with over 20,000 employees.

www.fincantieri.com

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 and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Accessing exceptional territories aboard yachts featuring refined design, on which the art of living and excellent cuisine take pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and authentic PONANT voyage.

www.ponant.com

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