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| The L'Austral is the most recent ship completed for Compagnie du Ponant, which launched in April of 2011. // (c) 2011 Compagnie du Ponant. |
Compagnie du Ponant ordered another “latest generation” yacht with 132 staterooms and suites from the Italian Fincantieri shipyard. The yet-to-be-named new ship will be joining sister ships Le Boréal and L’Austral, launched in May 2010 and April 2011 respectively, and will also comply with the “Cleanship” label enjoyed by Le Boréal and L’Austral. The new vessel is expected to join the fleet by June 2013. The fleet currently comprises five French-flagged yachts: the 32-stateroom Le Ponant; 45-stateroom Le Levant; 113-stateroom and suite Le Diamant,; and 132-stateroom and suite Le Boréal and L’Austral.
By the end of 2011, Compagnie du Ponant expects its growth to exceed the 20,000 passenger per year threshold, with turnover estimated at $108.61 million.
The recent addition of the two cruise yachts to the fleet, Le Boréal and L’Austral, represent Compagnie du Ponant’s dual focus on luxury travel and environmental consciousness while still allowing for top-of-the-line amenities. The “clean ship” label was awarded based on the numerous eco-friendly features: dynamic-positioning, advanced waste water treatment, reduced fuel consumption and emissions and underwater detection system. Customer satisfaction levels (4.5 out of five) and the high rate of positive recommendations to friends and family (97 percent of passengers), recognizes the hard work by the company’s personnel.
Compagnie du Ponant’s shareholders are showing ongoing confidence in the company’s successful business model, the crews and land-based teams by investing in this new ship. Having led the project to build the two previous yachts, the Fincantieri shipyard has again been entrusted with the third ship. French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel will be responsible for the interior, which has contributed so much to the success of Le Boréal and L’Austral.
“In keeping with our concept of cruising, we are again favoring the intimate, friendly environment of a well-designed mega-yacht sized ship, ensuring our passengers receive individual attention and personalized “tailor-made” service in an outstanding environment,” concludes Véronique Saadé, deputy executive vice-president.
Statistics regarding the future yacht:
• Investment: $135.76 million
• 4.7 meter draft
• Delivery date: June 2013
• Ice certification:1C
• 142 meters in length
• 264 passengers
• 18 meter beam
• 140 members of crew
• Six decks (including one sun deck)
• 16 knots (cruising speed)
• 132 staterooms and suites (95 percent with balconies)
For more information, visit en.ponant.com.