Ponant's Commandant Charcot is the world's only icebreaker cruise ship, but icebreakers are extremely expensive. How does Ponant position such a unique product?
Great article! Also really enjoyed reading about your Svalbard adventure.
I am wondering though - what is the impact of breaking ice on the arctic ecosystems? Does breaking the ice effect ice melt rates and animal habitat ranges?
There is little research on the extend of impacts that icebreaking has on Arctic ecosystems. However, considering it to be one of the most sensitive and currently most pressured (climate change), icebreaking adds up to the number of cumulative pressures.
As far as I know, all icebreakers try to use open leads as far as possible for safety and energy reasons. However, some examples of the impacts of icebreaking are:
- Noise: Underwater noise emitted during icebreaking is less researched. It is suggested to cause confusion when scattered underneath the sea ice. From my own research, I learned that Le Commandant Charcot follows state of the art design and technology to lower noise impacts. However, especially the backward icebreaking is still subject to substantial underwater noise disturbance. Still, this manoeuvre is in general only used in emergency situations and not for standard voyaging/icebreaking.
Especially breaking multi-year ice combined with global warming might be negatively correlated. However, we still have to remember the small amount of icebreakers operating - most of them are used for supply and safety escorts. I am really split minded about being fascinated by this amazing vessel including the opportunities for science, knowledge and outreach it might faszinierst - and the concern for the ever increasing economic interest in remote and pristine regions like the Arctic.
Great article! Also really enjoyed reading about your Svalbard adventure.
I am wondering though - what is the impact of breaking ice on the arctic ecosystems? Does breaking the ice effect ice melt rates and animal habitat ranges?
Thank you Lucy! Appreciate the read :)
To answer your question, I'm not sure but there definitely seems to be some concern about it.
1. AECO (association of arctic expedition cruise operators) discourages breaking ice. It's hard for me to tell if it's a true prohibition, but I notice that Commandant Charcot is not listed as a member (even though other Ponant ships are listed). That may be an oversight or intentional. AECO guidelines here - https://www.aeco.no/guidelines/https-www-aeco-no-wp-content-uploads-2023-08-2023-operational-guidelines-pdf/
2. In Svalbard, breaking ice is not permitted because it damages an important habitat - https://www.sysselmesteren.no/en/news/2020/02/breaking-of-ice-is-prohibited/
Thanks for your response! This is very helpful :)
There is little research on the extend of impacts that icebreaking has on Arctic ecosystems. However, considering it to be one of the most sensitive and currently most pressured (climate change), icebreaking adds up to the number of cumulative pressures.
As far as I know, all icebreakers try to use open leads as far as possible for safety and energy reasons. However, some examples of the impacts of icebreaking are:
- ice breaking can disturb and harm Arctic marine life e.g.: https://goodmanlab.org/2017/11/01/understanding-how-icebreaking-vessels-can-impact-on-breeding-seals-and-what-to-do-about-it/
- Noise: Underwater noise emitted during icebreaking is less researched. It is suggested to cause confusion when scattered underneath the sea ice. From my own research, I learned that Le Commandant Charcot follows state of the art design and technology to lower noise impacts. However, especially the backward icebreaking is still subject to substantial underwater noise disturbance. Still, this manoeuvre is in general only used in emergency situations and not for standard voyaging/icebreaking.
Especially breaking multi-year ice combined with global warming might be negatively correlated. However, we still have to remember the small amount of icebreakers operating - most of them are used for supply and safety escorts. I am really split minded about being fascinated by this amazing vessel including the opportunities for science, knowledge and outreach it might faszinierst - and the concern for the ever increasing economic interest in remote and pristine regions like the Arctic.
Thank you for the thoughtful response Fabienne!