Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot recently completed a drydock at Damen Shipyard in Brest, France.

According to the facility, the 2021-built vessel underwent a range of work including blasting and painting of the hull.

Designed with a PC2 hull, the LNG-powered icebreaker saw the application of new hull coating, which is said to enable withstand regular contact with ice.

Damen said that close attention was paid to checking and maintaining safety-critical systems and equipment, ensuring the vessel’s capability to operate in remote regions.

Work included overhauls of the vessel’s lifeboats, helicopter platform and support systems for Zodiac boats.

The propulsion system of Le Commandant Charcot was also serviced, with maintenance work that included polishing of the ship’s ice-strengthened propellers.

Both the vessel’s azipod thrusters and bow thrusters were also serviced.

Additional technical work included maintenance of stabilizers and maintenance of the LNG propulsion system.

“Arctic cruise vessels like Le Commandant Charcot operate in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Taking care of such a ship requires a shipyard with the right facilities, craftsmanship and understanding of polar-class vessels,” said Ronan Scolan, commercial manager at Damen Shiprepair Brest.

“At Damen Shiprepair Brest, we combine deep technical expertise with a full lifecycle approach, working closely with our clients to ensure their vessels remain safe, efficient and ready for the next expedition,” he added.

Damen said that the work prepared the 30,000-ton vessel to Ponant’s upcoming expedition season in the Arctic.

After the completion of the project at the shipyard, Le Commandant Charcot sailed to Iceland on April 30, 2026.