Work is underway to build what is being touted as the most sustainable cruise ship. The ship, known as Captain Arctic, is designed to offer a new level of luxury exploration in the Arctic.
Gortens emphasized its role in keel-laying and the development of new ships. The ceremony took place on November 22 and marked the start of construction of the 70-meter (230-foot) tall vessel, which Gortens noted was also a first for the UAE.
The ship concept was developed by Sophie Galbanion, who has worked in the commercial shipping industry for nearly 20 years. She has led Arctic expeditions for 10 years, but says her travels have become “disconnected from traditional methods.” Expedition cruises began with a focus on destinations, but in recent years the cruise industry has focused on luxury onboard amenities and additional equipment such as submarines and helicopters.
Galvagnon reports that she and her team have spent the past two years designing the innovative vessel, convincing the market of the opportunity, and funding the project. They launched the French company Selar, believing that it presents a new approach to sustainable tourism.
Captain Arctic, the company’s representative, talks about his new vision for luxury cruise expeditions. The ship can accommodate just 36 passengers and a crew of 24. There is no set itinerary or schedule, but it’s a unique adventure that offers the chance to encounter polar bears, sail through the ice, and kayak among stranded icebergs.
The ship is powered by five 35-meter (115-foot) tall retractable solar sails. Built to withstand the harshest weather, it is made of aluminum and will be fitted with 2,000 square meters of solar panels. The ship will be equipped with a shaft generator and batteries to store electricity. Heating on board is provided by a pellet boiler using recycled wood pellets. The ship will have an engine that uses biofuel made from vegetable oil, but aims to run almost entirely on sails and solar power.
“Beyond tourism, our first ship will support science through zero-emission logistics and remove more than five tons of plastic per year,” Galbanion wrote on social media. He said the ship’s emissions would be reduced by 90 percent.
The project is a partnership between Gortens and Chantier Naval Indian Ocean (CNOI), based in Port Louis, Mauritius. Bureau Veritas is a shipping class association. Selar’s website shows Captain Arctic’s first voyage setting sail from Troms, Norway, in November 2026.
