PONANT has revealed that its polar exploration vessel will be called Le Commandant Charcot.

The name is a tribute to French polar explorer, Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot, known as the gentleman of the poles.

Bookings for cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot, which launches in 2021, will open on 4 April 2019, but pre-bookings can be made from 6 September 2018 to secure a stateroom and an early bird price.

Passengers will get the chance to experience the geographic North Pole (latitude 90 degrees North), as well as parts of Antarctica, such as the Ross Sea, Charcot Island and Peter Island.

The ship, which will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas, will be fitted with environmental protection technology.

It will produce zero emissions when in hybrid electric mode, with latest-generation electric batteries ensuring engines can be stopped for two to three hours.

It will also include a scientific laboratory for operational oceanography missions and research, a fleet of 16 expedition zodiacs, and two onboard helicopters.