Captain Arctic, powered by wind and sun, launched in Dubai

The hull of Captain Arctic, a near-zero emission exploration vessel designed for sustainable cruising in some of the planet’s most fragile environments, has been launched in Dubai.

The launching ceremony took place last week following the successful completion of hull fabrication, the UAE-based engineering company Goltens said.

As explained, the milestone marks the culmination of months of engineering excellence, precision fabrication, and international collaboration between the vessel’s French owner, Selar, Mauritius-based shipyard Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien (CNOI), and Goltens.

Heading to the Indian Ocean, the hull is bound for Mauritius, where the Indian Ocean Shipyard will take over the construction of the next-generation polar expedition vessel.

The Captain Arctic is said to represent “a new era in environmentally conscious vessel design”. Measuring 69 meters in length, the vessel will rely primarily on renewable energy sources – harnessing wind propulsion through rigid sails integrated with photovoltaic solar panels – to achieve an up to 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional ships.

Specifically, the 35-meter-high sails can be retracted when needed. Built to endure the harshest weather,