Ponant Partners With WHOI to Advance Ocean Science Research
Ponant Explorations Group, known for its fleet of small luxury expedition ships, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)—the world’s largest independent ocean science organization. This collaboration marks the first partnership of its kind for WHOI and underscores Ponant’s growing commitment to ocean research and environmental stewardship.
“At Ponant Explorations Group, we’re dedicated to advancing knowledge of the oceans and supporting scientific research as part of our mission to explore responsibly and travel with care,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group Americas. “By giving scientists access to some of the most remote regions on Earth, we’re helping deepen understanding of our planet. This partnership with WHOI reflects our shared dedication to ocean science and sustainability, creating meaningful impact at sea and beyond.”
The partnership’s inaugural expedition will take place on October 31, when a Ponant vessel departs the coast of Antarctica for a research voyage focusing on emperor penguins. The mission will feature WHOI-MIT Joint Program graduate students Caroline Needell and Bailey Fluegel, under the guidance of WHOI glaciologist Dr. Catherine Walker, an expert in Antarctic ice-ocean interactions, coastal change, and iceberg calving.
During the voyage, guests will have the rare opportunity to witness scientific research in action. They’ll be invited to observe fieldwork, visit the ship’s wet and dry laboratories, and attend interactive educational presentations. Topics will include Antarctica’s geological evolution, the global significance of its climate systems, and the fragility of its ecosystems.
This partnership represents a significant step forward in bridging luxury expedition travel with marine science. By combining Ponant’s exploration expertise with WHOI’s scientific leadership, the two organizations aim to promote greater public awareness of ocean conservation while advancing critical research in polar regions.
With this collaboration, Ponant continues to position itself as a pioneer in sustainable exploration—offering travelers not just the chance to see the world’s most remote places, but to understand and protect them.
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