PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution partner to launch new polar ocean image collection
Global Initiative Expands OCEAN IMAGE BANK WITH Critical POLAR Imagery to Advance Research, Education and Awareness
Next-Generation Technologies—from AI-Powered Whale Detection to Robotics—Deployed Across Select Ships to Accelerate Ocean Science and Discovery
New York, NY – May 7, 2026 – Building on their three-year partnership launched in October 2025, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have unveiled a new Polar Ocean Image Collection. Timed to align with the United Nations Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034) and supported by United Nations organizations such as UNESCO, the Polar Ocean Image Collection underscores a shared commitment to accelerating research, raising awareness and inspiring action to protect the planet’s most vulnerable waters. The collection is now freely accessible via the Ocean Image Bank, created by The Ocean Agency to elevate global understanding of critical marine environments.
Featuring more than 500 images captured by over 30 leading photographers, including contributors from PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ onboard photo team, the initiative provides no-cost, open access to media-quality ocean imagery for non-commercial use. Designed as a resource for nonprofits, conservation groups, news organizations and educators, the collection supports broader understanding of the critical role polar regions play in the global ecosystem. Six ships in the PONANT EXPLORATIONS fleet—including Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker—operate in Antarctica and the Arctic. Onboard photographers will continue to capture polar images for the collection, while guests on select voyages are invited to submit their own photographs for consideration.
In parallel, WHOI will deploy a suite of next‑generation technologies across select PONANT EXPLORATIONS vessels. These include AI‑enabled whale detection systems capable of identifying whales up to three miles away, as well as advanced imaging platforms, underwater robots and sensor arrays. Whale data will be collected and shared with scientists and ship captains, providing advance awareness for responsible wildlife observation. Together, this broader technology suite will support real‑time research in some of the world’s most remote ecosystems that PONANT’s expedition ships are uniquely positioned to access.
“The ocean remains one of our greatest sources of wonder—and one of the least understood. We believe science and education are most powerful when experienced firsthand, where data and imagery together can spark curiosity and accelerate awareness,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO, Americas, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP. “Through our collaboration with WHOI, the world’s most remote waters become a living classroom. With direct visibility into real-time research and data collection onboard, our guests gain rare insight into the science underway and become part of the story unfolding around them.”
Richard Vevers, Director of Room 71 at WHOI added: “The ocean represents 99 percent of the living space on our planet, and studying its most remote regions is a major challenge for scientists. The potential of this partnership, though, goes far beyond access - it’s a chance to think creatively, combine expertise and design programs that accelerate ocean science while engaging a global audience. That’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Next-Generation Technologies Deployed on Select Ships
Currently in use or entering service, the following technologies are being deployed aboard select PONANT EXPLORATIONS ships to support research, conservation and discovery.
The RESQ Robot is an underwater robot inspired by the sea turtle and engineered for close-range, low-impact observation of marine megafauna and underwater ecosystems. The RESQ Robot is designed to aid research and conservation efforts while minimizing disturbance to the species it studies. Integrating cameras and acoustic imaging, the robot captures high-resolution data on animal behavior and ecosystem health and can assist in marine debris recovery. The RESQ is making its debut this summer in the Kimberley on Le Soléal.
The Ice Link Sphere is an early prototype that adopts a creative new approach to ice sensor design. Its spherical design aims to allow it to thrust onto the ice during freeze-up rather than be crushed by it and therefore enable it to be deployed on ice, in open water, or dropped by aircraft or drone. It autonomously measures changes in sea ice over time and is designed to have far less environmental impact than traditional sensors. A second version is under development to deploy from depth to the underside of the ice, enabling measurements of the ocean beneath. These designs allow observations in remote environments that are difficult to access and will help interpret broader-scale measurements from NASA satellites. The concept sphere was first deployed on Le Commandant Charcot in Antarctica late last year and will continue to be tested by scientists aboard the ship.
The Whale Spotter Camera is an AI-enabled infrared camera that can detect whales up to three nautical miles away delivering alerts to the ship’s Captain and crew. The latest version of the camera was installed for the first time on Le Commandant Charcot in April 2026. The results of the Whale Spotter technology will be used to encourage the international shipping industry to adopt the technology (commercial vessel traffic accounts for nearly all recorded whale strikes). The technology may also be used to provide valuable data on seabirds, sharks, and other wildlife in remote regions where there is limited data.
A rare Antarctic expedition uniting science, exploration, and storytelling
Ocean scientists from WHOI will join PONANT EXPLORATIONS for a rare Antarctica voyage in December 2027. Antarctica: Ocean (Re)Imagined - with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution travels roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, on an immersive expedition from December 7-17 on Le Lyrial offering guests insider access to expert knowledge and cutting-edge research while deepening their understanding of the ocean and the pivotal importance of its polar regions. Guests on this voyage will have the opportunity to submit their own imagery for consideration to the Polar Ocean Image Collection, broadening access to firsthand perspectives from one of the most remote regions on Earth.
About PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP
Explore to Inspire: explore to better understand, learn, share, and protect. PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP has been committed to purposeful voyages of exploration and more responsible tourism for over 38 years. Renowned for their expertise in exploration cruises, its brands—PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Aqua Expeditions, and PONANT YACHTING—operate human-scale ships (ranging from 4 to 165 staterooms and suites), offering a refined, authentic, and inspiring experience. PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP is owned by Artémis, the holding company of the Pinault family. More information on us.ponant.com.
About Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
(WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Founded in 1930, its mission is to understand the ocean, its interactions with the Earth, and its role in a changing global environment. WHOI’s pioneering discoveries arise from a unique blend of science and engineering that has made it one of the world’s most trusted leaders in ocean research and exploration. Known for its multidisciplinary approach, advanced ship operations, and unmatched deep-sea robotics, WHOI also operates the most extensive suite of ocean data-gathering platforms worldwide. More than 800 concurrent projects—driven by top scientists, engineers, and students—push the boundaries of knowledge to inform people and policy for a healthier planet. Behind the scenes, ship captains, mates, craftsmen, marine operations, and other skilled professionals provide essential support that makes this work possible. Learn more at whoi.edu.
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PHOTO LIBRARY Link to images HERE.
Photo credits: Noted in the file name.
MEDIA CONTACTS
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Suzanne Pelisson
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