Selar: Sustainable Arctic cruises to the North Pole
A New Generation of Polar Exploration
A new era of Arctic exploration is setting sail. Created by French expedition company Selar, Captain Arctic is set to become the world’s most sustainable expedition vessel. More than just a ship, this 70-meter sailing yacht redefines polar cruising by combining understated luxury, scientific exploration, and an exceptionally low environmental footprint. The project was envisioned by Sophie Galvagnon, the first woman to captain polar expedition vessels in the Arctic, alongside entrepreneurs Julia Bijaoui and Quentin Vacher. Their ambition is simple yet bold: prove that exploring the polar regions can go hand in hand with dramatically reducing carbon emissions. Flying the French flag, Captain Arctic embodies a holistic vision of sustainability that extends beyond the vessel itself, embracing improved working conditions for its crew and a commitment to gender equality across all positions.
A Masterpiece of Sustainable Innovation
Built at the CNOI shipyard in Mauritius, Captain Arctic features a groundbreaking energy system. Its five rigid aluminum sails, each rising 35 meters above the deck, are covered with nearly 2,000 square meters of solar panels capable of generating the electricity required for life on board. That energy is stored in a large battery bank, which also powers the electric propulsion system whenever wind conditions require additional assistance. The propellers also operate in hydrogeneration mode, producing electricity while sailing. The yacht generates its own fresh water through reverse osmosis, uses a biomass pellet boiler fueled by recycled wood waste for heating, fully treats its wastewater, and relies on HVO biofuel only for port maneuvers. Together, these innovations reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional expedition vessels operating in the Arctic.
Exploring the Arctic Differently
Unlike most polar expedition ships, Captain Arctic is not an icebreaker. Rather than breaking through sea ice, its reinforced hull allows it to glide gently among icebergs while preserving fragile ecosystems. There are no fixed itineraries—each expedition evolves according to weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and the rhythm of nature itself. Silence becomes one of the journey’s greatest luxuries. Without engine noise, vibrations, or fuel odors, guests experience an extraordinary sense of immersion, connecting more intimately with the Arctic’s pristine landscapes.
The Arctic on a Human Scale
With just 36 guests accommodated in 19 beautifully designed suites and cabins by French-Swedish designer Joséphine Fossey, Captain Arctic offers a remarkably intimate experience. Its small size allows every guest to disembark together, enjoying land excursions that can last up to six hours—three times longer than on most traditional expedition cruises. Guided by four experienced expedition leaders, guests can tailor each adventure to their interests, whether glacier hiking, ski touring through Norwegian fjords, paddleboarding among icebergs, snorkeling alongside orcas, observing polar bears, walruses and reindeer, visiting Inuit communities, or even taking a polar plunge into waters as cold as -2°C. Every day is designed as an immersive encounter with the Arctic wilderness.
The Luxury of Slowing Down
On board, luxury is defined by simplicity rather than excess. Joséphine Fossey has created warm, Scandinavian-inspired interiors using sustainable materials, handcrafted pieces, and carefully sourced vintage furniture to reduce environmental impact while giving the yacht genuine character. The shared spaces encourage meaningful conversations as much as quiet contemplation of the surrounding landscapes. This philosophy extends to digital life as well. Internet access is intentionally limited to a single secluded room, encouraging guests to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with nature, fellow travelers, scientists, guides, and crew members.
More Than a Cruise: A Scientific Platform
Captain Arctic is far more than an expedition yacht. Equipped with a dedicated 15-square-meter research laboratory, it will host scientists studying some of the planet’s least explored environments. The vessel will also support low-impact scientific missions by transporting researchers, equipment, and supplies to remote Arctic research stations. Beyond science, Selar actively contributes to environmental conservation through initiatives such as Clean Up Svalbard, whose goal is to remove at least five tons of plastic waste each year from the shores of the archipelago.
Expeditions Led by Inspiring Explorers
Selected voyages will feature renowned explorers, wildlife photographers, freedivers, and Arctic specialists, including Loury Lag, Arthur Guérin, Caroline Côté, Jérémie Villet, and Florian Ledoux, offering guests unique insights into the polar world. Some expeditions will also welcome artists-in-residence—including painters, designers, musicians, and writers—who will draw inspiration from the Arctic landscapes while sharing their creative process with fellow travelers, adding a rich cultural dimension to every journey.
A New Way to Experience the Poles
The first Captain Arctic expeditions will launch in November 2026 with unforgettable orca encounters in Norway before sailing to Svalbard and Greenland. More than a new cruise company, Selar introduces an entirely new philosophy of Arctic travel—slower, quieter, and deeply respectful of the extraordinary places it explores. A rare journey where the emotion comes not only from the landscapes themselves, but also from the way they are experienced.
