Selar co-founder and chief executive Sophie Galvagnon told TTG on Tuesday (10 June) how the eco expedition line’s on-sale capacity is 85% sold.  

The line is slated to start operating Arctic cruises from November 2026 and plans to have a 10-vessel fleet sailing by 2036. 

Galvagnon said: “We’re now looking for investment to build a second ship. Our investors are primarily from the hospitality and shipping sectors.” 

She revealed the first ship – currently being constructed in Mauritius – is “half built” but explained how the line has factored in a three-month delay in case any issues arise in the next 18 months. 

Galvagnon confirmed Selar’s sales model will be a 50:50 split between direct and trade, adding that she travels to the UK to meet with potential trade partners sometimes “twice a month”. 

Next year, Galvagnon and the wider Selar team will host a series of presentations in France and Norway to preview the product before operations start. 

She added: “We’re getting more and more traction from across the world which is great because even though we’re French we do not want to be identified as a small French brand.

“The UK and US are target markets for us. We’re talking with more and more trade partners.” 

When asked what changes had been made to Selar’s offering since it first announced launch plans last year, Galvagnon said service levels were being “upgraded” and the line would operate 10 days a year without customers. 

Like many expedition cruise operators, Selar will invite scientists onboard its boats to carry out research projects, however there will be specific days scientists are onboard rather than just having them join revenue sailings. 

“We’re going to run some sailings without tourists,” she explained. “Our ambition is to have 10 days a year where there will not be any tourists onboard. 

“The frustration of the scientists is that a tourist ship is not always a ship suitable for scientists. They can’t always fit in their work in around a tourist ship’s schedule.” 

Selar’s vessels will have five solid sails and use 20,000 sq ft of solar panels. The ship will cruise without any noise, vibration or smell, with the line claiming a 90% reduction in carbon emissions compared with any other ships operating in Antarctica.

“This is a significant step for the maritime sector, which currently emits as much CO2 as the aviation sector – and is only increasing,” the line previously said.