Ponant Explorations Group and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have launched a collection of open-access images from the Arctic and Antarctica. 

Part of the Ocean Agency’s Ocean Image Bank, the Polar Ocean Image Collection comprises more than 500 images captured by over 30 photographers – including Ponant’s photo team – intended for non-commercial use. 

It aims to raise awareness, support research and inspire action to protect the polar regions, the cruise line said in a press release. 

“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 at Ponant. 

“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.” 

The cruise line is also partnering with WHOI to deploy next-generation technologies to support research, conservation and discovery across some of its vessels. 

This includes: 

• The RESQ Robot – an underwater robot engineered for low-impact observation of underwater ecosystems, making its debut this summer on Le Soléal in the Kimberley. 
• The Ice Link Sphere – an early prototype that adopts a new approach to ice sensor design, allowing observations in remote environments. It 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 – an AI-enabled infrared camera that can detect whales up to three nautical miles away and notify the ship. The latest version of the camera was installed for the first time on Le Commandant Charcot in April 2026. 

 

Additionally, ocean scientists from WHOI will join Ponant Explorations for the “Antarctica: Ocean (Re)Imagined” immersive expedition traveling roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, December 7-17, 2027, on Le Lyrial. 

Guests on this voyage will be able to submit their own images for consideration to the Polar Ocean Image Collection.