Marlink to supply hybrid connectivity for Ponant’s new polar expedition ship

Solution will enable Ponant to deliver hundreds of gigabytes of data to guests and crew every month
Marlink to supply hybrid connectivity for Ponant’s new polar expedition ship

Ponant-Nicolas Dubreuil

Le Commandant Charcot will sail expedition in the polar regions

By Rebecca Gibson |


Smart network solutions provider Marlink is to supply data and voice connectivity services for Ponant’s first polar expedition ship, Le Commandant Charcot.

Marlink will provide an industry-first hybrid network solution, which combines Sealink dual C- and Ku-band VSAT connectivity, geostationary Earth orbit and low Earth orbit (LEO) L-band connectivity, and a high-data volume LEO store and forward capability. The solution will also use Marlink’s LTE/GSM service to enable Ponant to provide aggregated delivery of hundreds of gigabytes of data to guests and crew per month.

“Le Commandant Charcot will feature a new level of connectivity, enhancing the experience for guests and keeping them connected when at extreme latitudes,” said Tore Morten Olsen, president of maritime at Marlink. “By combining GEO and LEO constellations with our managed services terrestrial connectivity and global network know-how, Marlink is able to provide the best possible services and keep Ponant’s promises to its customers.”

Constructed by Vard, Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s first hybrid-electric, LNG-powered polar expedition ship and also became the first vessel of her kind to reach the geographic North Pole during her sea trials in September 2021. She will sail her maiden voyage later this year.

“Le Commandant Charcot will enable guests to follow in the footsteps of French polar scientist Jean-Baptiste Charcot, a challenge that demands the best in vessel design and operations,” says Mathieu Petiteau, director of newbuilds, research and development at Ponant. “The challenge we gave Marlink was simple: to create a communications solution without compromise worthy of polar explorers and tailored for those who follow their footsteps and they have delivered.”

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