Solar sailboat Captain Arctic with captain Sophie Galvagnon will set off to the Arctic

By Marek Grzybowski

Pelorus Yachting has revealed details of the 70-metre expedition yacht known as Captain Arctic, which is currently under construction at Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien in Port Louis, Mauritius. It has been declared the “first truly sustainable expedition ship” and will sail in Norway, Svalbard and Greenland from 2026.

Exclusive expedition cruises are becoming increasingly popular among sea tourists. More and more operators are offering unique cruises to polar waters. Passengers on such ships can come into close contact with natural phenomena and conditions prevailing above the Arctic Circle. Many ships also offer views of marine fauna and flora. During some cruises, it is possible to go ashore or to the glacier. The CRIST shipyard also plays a part in building ships for polar waters.

The partially equipped hull of the National Geographic Endurance (in 2019) and the National Geographic Resolution (in 2020) were built in Gdynia. Both units were equipped by the Norwegian shipyard Ulstein Verft AS. These cruise ships (125 m long and over 20 m wide) are the first ships of this type in the world with a hull X-Bow in the bow section. A hull of this type on a passenger ship will reduce the impact of waves on the hull and increase the comfort of travel and reduce noise and vibration. We wrote about it here.

Captain Arctic is even more innovative than the units designed in Norway. The ship will be powered by five rigid sails with patented solar technology. All on-board equipment is to be powered by the battery system. The main (auxiliary) engine will be used for maneuvers and during calm or stormy weather. The engine will have the option of using vegetable oil to power it. The design office announces that the yacht will “emit 90% less CO2 compared to any ship in the region.”

Captain Sophie Galvagnon sets off to conquer the Arctic
The yacht’s captain will be Sophie Galvagnon, who has worked in the industry for over 17 years as a captain and ice pilot. Accommodation is planned for 30 guests in 16 cabins, one of which is wheelchair accessible. The ship will also have cabins for a five-person team of guides who will organize land and water expeditions for guests. The warm, mid-20th-century-style interiors of the yacht are the work of Parisian designer Joséphine Fossey.

The operator announces that the expeditions will include cruises in the fjords in eastern Greenland, observation of the aurora borealis in northern Norway. An attraction is to be the observation of the “sunrise” (lack of sunset) at midnight in Svalbard – a natural phenomenon during which the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours. The solar sailboat was designed in Dubai by Goltens engineers. It is emphasized that “Captain Arctic has been specially designed to redefine sustainable sea travel in the polar regions”.

– Not a cruise, but an expedition. Don’t expect a set itinerary – promise the organizers of Arctic cruises. A 24-person crew will navigate the Arctic waters.

The keel-laying ceremony was attended by CEO Sophie Galvagnon and technical director of the French owner of the ship, Selar, Pierrick Delaunay. The ship’s contractor is Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien (CNOI). The ceremony was attended by the shipyard’s managing director Frank Pirio, deputy CEO Nicolas Perrier and project manager Jean Charles Davy.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), under whose supervision the ship is being built. BV has been cooperating with the shipowner Selar, the designer Cormoran/Ship-ST and the CNOI shipyard since the idea was born.

Captain Arctic is the first of its kind in polar exploration, built with the goal of minimizing emissions and environmental disturbances, including the aquatic environment. The 230-foot vessel features five Cormoran/Ship-ST-designed rigid sails integrated with 20,000 square feet of solar panels. This design enables quiet, emission-free voyages, reducing CO₂ emissions by 90% compared to conventional vessels, Bureau Veritas certifiers emphasize.

 

Rigid sail and panel system
The vessel’s rigid sail system has undergone a comprehensive assessment by Bureau Veritas. The sail system and its operating systems have been verified to be compliant with BV safety and performance principles, including BV NR206 for the Wind Propulsion System. The rigid sail and solar wings have been granted Preliminary Approval (AiP) by Bureau Veritas in 2023.

Sophie Galvagnon, co-founder and CEO of Selar, said:
“The maritime industry accounts for 3% of global CO2 emissions, and there is an urgent need for radical change, particularly in emerging markets such as expedition cruising. At Selar, we want to inspire and demonstrate that sustainable exploration is possible and even exciting.

The Goltens Dubai shipyard will build the vessel’s hull.

“We are excited and pleased to partner with Goltens on this transformational journey. This vessel is not only an investment in sustainable tourism, but also a commitment to preserving the natural wonders of our planet,” said Galvagnon during the keel-laying ceremony.

Goltens CEO Sandeep Seth commented on the event:
“The ceremony was a testament to the spirit of innovation and collaboration that drives Goltens. Selar and CNOI have entrusted us with building a vessel that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the modern maritime industry. The project reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and a greener future for the seas.

Goltens is an industrial group based in Dubai. Its portfolio includes not only shipbuilding and marine engine construction, but also manufacturing for the offshore oil & gas, hydropower and nuclear power industries, as well as a wide range of other industrial activities. In addition to a large team of engineers, this diversified production employs over 1,000 people. The company operates in 14 countries worldwide.

CEO Goltens emphasized that Captain Arctic is the first of its kind luxury cruise ship.

– The ship resonates and aligns with our vision and commitment to a sustainable future and delivering eco-friendly solutions in the maritime and other industries. The construction of this hull is also the first of its kind for the UAE and is in line with the government’s vision for a sustainable future.

The unique design not only minimizes the ship’s carbon footprint, but also demonstrates the collective commitment of Selar, CNOI and Goltens to push the boundaries of sustainable maritime technology. The aim of this ship is to set a new standard for environmentally responsible cruising, especially in the endangered Arctic system.

Leisure facilities include a gym, sauna, polar pool, 1920s-style bar, library and a dedicated quiet room where one can “admire the view” in quiet contemplation. There will also be a science lab on board, aimed at advancing discovery and protecting the environment in the polar regions.
The team behind Captain Arctic promises that when it comes to sailing, “most of the fun is in the unexpected. That special bond between passengers and crew makes every trip special. See a polar bear? We’re off to check it out. Curious about an uncharted island? We’re off to explore. So pack your sense of adventure—predictability is not on the agenda.” Captain Arctic, a solar sailing vessel with captain Sophie Galvagnon, will set sail to conquer the Arctic in 2026. You can sign up for cruises today at https://selar.cc