Because the 150-metre long ship will operate in environmentally sensitive Arctic and Antarctic waters, it will operate primarily on LNG. Wärtsilä’s advanced technologies and experience in LNG solutions were cited as key reasons for the selection of the 31DF engines and other Wärtsilä solutions.

In addition to four 14-cylinder and two 10-cylinder Wärtsilä 31DF engines, Wärtsilä will also supply the fuel gas supply system, chosen because of the company’s outstanding experience and references in gas containment and gas fuel systems. Also included in the scope is Wärtsilä’s Nacos Platinum advanced navigation equipment, which can later be integrated with an Eniram proactive energy management system delivering predictive insights and mobile alerts. Eniram is a Wärtsilä company.

The company’s Smart Marine Ecosystem vision is to use high levels of connectivity and digitalisation in enabling the efficient use of resources, the highest levels of safety, and the least possible impact on the environment.

“We have ordered the building of a clean ship featuring technologies that go beyond current industry-standard environmental regulations. This is why we have chosen a propulsion format with Wärtsilä’s highly efficient 31DF engine running on LNG,” says Charles Gravatte, Ponant General Secretary.

“Wärtsilä’s cutting-edge technologies are making a huge contribution to creating cleaner, more efficient, and more environmentally sustainable shipping. This valuable contract is a clear example of this. We are delighted to be supporting Ponant in enabling this cruise ship to meet the highest standards of sustainability,” says Glenn Mattas, Regional Sales Director, South Europe & Africa, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled to be delivered in 2020, one year before delivery of Ponant’s polar ice-class luxury cruise vessel. This will be the twelfth ship in Ponant’s fleet of cruise vessels. The previous eleven ships are all powered by Wärtsilä engines.