France’s GTT to supply LNG tanks for Ponant Icebreaker

French LNG containment tank specialist, GTT said Tuesday it signed a contract with the Norwegian shipyard Vard for the supply of LNG tanks for the luxury polar expedition cruise vessel Ponant Icebreaker.

This ship, expected to be delivered in 2021, will be the first electric hybrid cruise ice-breaker with LNG propulsion. It will be operated by French cruise company Ponant.

Specially designed for the specificities of the LNG as a fuel, these tanks will be equipped with GTT’s Mark III membrane technology, according to a GTT statement.

The French company said it will conduct the construction of the tanks. Accordingly, it will be in charge of selecting and coordinating its subcontractors, offering a turnkey solution to its partners Vard and Ponant.

The PONANT Icebreaker is intended for polar expeditions of durations from 2 weeks to 1 month.

Thanks to its two tanks of a total capacity of 4,500 m3, this ship will be capable of making its entire routes using LNG.

“The Ponant Icebreaker is a real world first. It is the first luxury ship with Ice Class PC2 certification ever designed, with electric hybrid engine and propelled by LNG, it is a pioneer in terms of sustainable cruising and environment protection”, says Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, CEO of Ponant.

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT said: “This project sets an important milestone in the development of the LNG as a fuel. GTT is proud to bring its expertise to PONANT and VARD, two important players of the maritime world, for the supply of the tanks of this particularly innovative and environmentally friendly ship.”