L’Austral

L’Austral has been criss-crossing the globe taking passengers to the remotest parts of the planet since 2011.

Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own.

Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.

• Length: 142m
• Breadth: 18m
• Draft: 4.7m
• Ice-Class: 1C

• Propulsion: 2 electric motors X 2300KW, Four Wärtsilä 8L20 diesel generators
• Cruising Speed: 14 knots
• Stabilizers: Retractable fin stabilizers

TECHNOLOGY AND FUEL

• Diesel-electric propulsion with low-sulfur MGO.
• Efficient hull design and dynamic positioning.
• LED lighting and energy monitoring systems.
• Voyage optimization to reduce fuel use and emissions.

CO2 Emissions

The vessels combine diesel-electric propulsion, efficient hull design, energy monitoring and voyage-optimization systems to reduce fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions. Ongoing efficiency improvements, including LED lighting and reduced hotel energy use, further support lower onboard energy demand. No vessel-specific public CO₂ emissions figures or quantified reduction targets were identified.

Waste Management

Waste management follows MARPOL requirements and standards applicable to polar operations, with onboard waste sorting, recycling and controlled shoreside disposal. Hazardous waste is handled separately, while advanced wastewater treatment systems process sewage and other wastewater before controlled discharge. Efforts also include reducing single-use plastics, using refillable amenities and incorporating more sustainable sourcing practices.

Citizen Science Programs

Scientific research is supported through partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide. Projects have involved the University of Oulu, University of Montpellier / CNRS / IRD / Ifremer, Northumbria University, the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), the Institute of Polar Sciences (CNR-ISP) and École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), covering Arctic and Antarctic biodiversity, climate change, marine ecosystems, seabirds, plastics and microbial communities. Guests can also participate in citizen science activities and attend onboard presentations led by researchers and members of The Explorers Club

Local First Initiative / Communities

Local engagement includes partnerships with Conservation International, Blue Nature Alliance, Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation, Oxford University and ESCAMA Foundation, supporting marine conservation, coral ecosystems and education. Operations also work with local communities in Baja California and Greenland, alongside cultural, educational and healthcare initiatives in destinations such as Ushuaia, the Marquesas and Polynesia.

• Electronic safe
• Direct line telephone
• Bose Bluetooth speaker
• Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
• 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
• Three ADA staterooms

• 18,5 m² (200ft²)
• 2 guests (2 single beds, 1 double)
• En-suite bathroom
• Balcony
• Deck 3 – Fwd

• 18,5 m² (200ft²)
• 2 guests (2 single beds, 1 double)
• En-suite bathroom
• Balcony
• Deck 4, 5 & 6 – Aft, Mid & Fwd

• 37 m² (398ft²)
• 2 guests (2 single beds, 1 double)
• En-suite bathroom
• Balcony
• Deck 5 & 6 – Aft & Mid

• 45 m² (484ft²)
• 2 guests (2 single beds, 1 double)
• En-suite bathroom
• Balcony
• Deck 6 – Fwd