First solar-powered vessel from French start-up Selar to sail the Arctic

Selar is aiming to pioneer a new type of travel with Captain Arctic, a vessel able to accommodate 36 passengers and 24 crew members, leaving barely a trace of impact on the natural environment as it sails. Behind the concept is entrepreneur Sophie Galvagnon, Selar's CEO and co-founder, who is also a captain, expedition leader and ice-pilot. 

Entrepreneur Sophie Galvagnon, Selar's CEO PHOTO: SELAR

A bold bet on a ship powered by nature

Captain Arctic, due for delivery at the end of summer 2026, illustrates what the 37-year-old French-Swedish navigator has dreamt of after exploring the Arctic for years aboard a wide range of vessels – from research icebreakers to sailing ships and earning maritime honours for her contribution to sea expeditions. 

At age 26 she became the youngest woman to command polar expedition ships. Then in 2017, she created her first business, on board Polar Front, for 12 passengers. This was ‘a little too artisanal, though,’ she admitted. Plus, ‘it was frustrating not to be able to act while some cruise companies were damaging a fragile environment.’ 

Moved by a blend of passion and dedication, she began conceiving a revolutionary ship with the expertise of Laurent Mermier, the head of French naval architecture agency Ship ST Lorient, and with the help of researchers, scientists and local experts. Support also came in the form of inspiration from Julia Bijaoui and Quentin Vacher, two French creative and dynamic entrepreneurs. 

To be built in Mauritius  

Chantier Naval de l'Ocean Indien yards, a subsidiary of the IBL group and a one-stop shop for naval repairs, has been selected to build Captain Arctic. Galvagnon said of the yard, located in Mauritius capital Port Louis, ‘They were consistent with our values, able to handle such a custom-made construction, especially concerning the sails, and up to 60% affiliated with France. They are also the closest to the subantarctic islands.’ 

Captain Arctic will measure 70 metres long and 13 metres wide. The ice-class PC7 ship will have a 3.2-metre steel hull and, significantly, will have five rigid solar patented sails. ‘We were not set on a specific type but didn't find what we needed among what was available,’ the entrepreneur explained. ‘They need to be able to face very low temperatures, frost, and frequent changes of direction. So, we designed ours to be simple, robust and capable of capturing solar energy.

‘We opted for five aluminium 35-metre-high panels, able to fold like a Swiss Army knife with hydraulic actuators, allowing it to sail beneath bridges.’ These are designed by French firm Cormoran, also founded by Laurent Mermier. ‘They are fitted with a total of nearly 2,000 sq m of solar panels which, with a 10kn wind, make us totally autonomous in a region where the sun shines non stop for six months a year. And we save 90% CO2 compared to other ships,’ Galvagnon added. 

The vessel can run on vegetable oil if the wind and solar power lag. 

Keel laying ceremony planned for Nov. 22

Construction began in May with the keel-laying ceremony due to take place later this week.  

Vessel financing comes mainly from France but there are also important foreign investors involved, like Limestone Capital. However, building such a ship ‘is 40% more expensive than for a classic ship,’ Galvagnon said.

The company is registered in Brittany and operational in Marseille. Without planning to become a major actor, some eight ships dedicated to other destinations are envisioned joining the fleet within the next 10 years. 

Captain Arctic will also be open for private charters. 

On board, a subtle and Nordic elegance

The ship's intimate interiors are being designed by French-Swedish Josephine Fossey whose experience includes creating the layout for the luxury Seabourn Venture, as well as for the Iconic House hotels in Courchevel, Baux de Provence and Gordes. In addition to its 18 cosy cabins, it will house a spacious dining room, library, bar, silent room, fitness room, sauna and polar plunge, as well as a science lab. 

Rendering: A cabin on board Captain Arctic (PHOTO: SELAR)

Heating for the whole ship will be provided by two pellet boilers that use recycled wooden waste pellets.

The ship is equipped with Wi-Fi but a digital detox is part of an otherwise all-inclusive concept.

French and English will be the languages spoken on board. 

A rendering of the lounge (PHOTO: SELAR)

No set itineraries

Sailing under the RIF French flag, Captain Arctic is set to operate 11 months a year starting in winter 2026, cruising off-the-beaten-path routes and sometimes unmapped territories, with a crew of polar experts ‘for contemplation but also for out of the ordinary moments – more adventurous, more immersive and refusing ecological nonsense.’ 

In winter it will sail the Arctic, including Norway where ‘there is luminosity, even if slight’ with such outdoor activities as watching the northern lights, dog sledding and skiing to take place.

In summer, the ship is to offer full immersion into the Arctic nature, which requires flexibility. ‘There are no set itineraries. The route adapts to the elements, the passengers’ desires and real-time tips on the presence of wildlife.

‘In the autumn, East Greenland will offer the untamed beauty of its fjords and encounters with the Eastern Inuits.’ 

In summary, ‘we believe in regenerative tourism and our mission is to positively contribute to the local ecosystems we are sailing through and favour local actors on this subject,’ Galvagnon concluded.