PONANT Outfitting Four New Expedition Ships with FarSounder-1000 3D Sonar
FarSounder, Inc. announced today that the company has secured an order to provide their flagship FarSounder-1000 sonars for the PONANT EXPLORERS, a new series of four yachts designed specifically for luxury expeditions. Combining great design, cutting-edge technology, a small capacity and respect for the environment, these PONANT ships are designed to Ice Class 1C certification.
FarSounder Norwegian dealer Wärtsilä Valmarine AS is the integrator. Shipbuilder is Vard Søviknes Norway for these 131 meter ice-class expedition cruise ships. PONANT is the only French-flag cruise line, and is number one in the world for polar cruises.
About FarSounder
FarSounder, Inc. is a U.S. based high technology marine electronics manufacturer specializing in underwater acoustics. With unique patented technology, the company has a global customer base of commercial, government, and private sector users. The company is the recognized leader in real time 3D sonar systems and has been selling its flagship navigation and obstacle avoidance systems since 2004. FarSounder's product lines include its Ship Protection System, which followed years of both IR&D and U.S. government funded research. The 2015 Tibbetts Award winning FarSounder Ship Protection System is for those owner/operators who demand the best solutions for assuring the safety of their passengers and crew. The system provides detection, classification, and alarms of underwater threats. Portside, platform, and shore based systems are also available for waterfront security.
About PONANT
PONANT is the only French-owned cruise line and the world leader in luxury expeditions. PONANT was created in 1988 by Jean Emmanuel Sauvée and a dozen officers of the French Merchant Navy. Today, PONANT is leading the way with a new style of luxury cruising through a unique conception of sea travel which combines exceptional itineraries and luxury hotel services, aboard luxurious smaller-scale ships. PONANT is a member of Charte Bleue d’Armateurs de France, and also belongs to the IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) which is committed to responsible behavior to safeguard the flora and fauna.
About Wärtsilä Valmarine
Wärtsilä Valmarine is a major supplier of ship automation and navigation systems world-wide. They work closely with customers to develop innovative technical solutions focusing on safety, quality and lifetime costs. The result is their fully integrated ship control concept offering unique multi-functionality, redundancy and reliability. The cruise vessel market is the core business and the company is a market leader for ship automation in this segment.
