Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot crosses the McClure Strait

The ship took passengers into the heart of the Canadian Northwest Territories after crossing the Northwest Passage, including the Strait of Fury and Hecla which this year marks 200 years since its discovery. The vessel then reached the McClure Strait and Beaufort Sea, crossing the strait September 27, before sailing down the American continent to reach the Antarctic.

Ponant claims Le Commandant Charcot is the first French cruise ship to cross the McClure Strait, an eastern arm of the Beaufort Sea on the edge of the Canadian Northwest Territories.

In February, the ship sailed to the southernmost navigable latitude in the Ross Sea for the first time in its history. In July, the vessel returned to the North Pole following its first voyage there in September 2021 during a special post-delivery expedition, when it became the first French vessel to make 90° North.

Scientific studies conducted

Scientists Marion Fourquez from the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) and Nicolas Cassar from Duke University in the USA joined the voyage. It enabled the two, who both specialise in marine microbiology, an opportunity to carry out studies on the shipping route.

Passengers observed up to a dozen polar bears during the sailing.

A ‘milestone’ achievement

Said capt. Garcia, ‘We crossed the Northwest Passage in difficult conditions. Thick ice regularly makes the McClure Strait impassable, and weather conditions are always difficult to predict in this region.’

He added, ‘Le Commandant Charcot is designed for this kind of challenge, which for me as a sailor is a highlight never to be forgotten.

‘It’s another milestone for the list of records of Le Commandant Charcot.’