Construction of Le Boréal, the first of two 140m super-yachts ordered by Compagnie du Ponant from Italian shipyard FINCANTIERI, has taken a giant step forward. The first steel plates have been cut and here is the latest update on work in progress.

Le Boréal, is one of the two, 264-passenger sister-ships ordered by French cruise company, Compagnie du Ponant, for delivery in spring 2010. News of the plates for the other ship, L’Austral, will follow – final delivery of the second ship is expected in 2011.

Construction of Le Boréal alone requires 2,950 tonnes of steel, as well as the many different materials needed for her interior, including fibre optics, fitted carpets, parquet flooring, marble, glass, wood, and leather. The project which is expected to take around 16 months and involve the skills of over 20 trades, including carpenters, fitters, welders, painters, joiners, engineers, plumbers, electricians, and electronics engineers. They will ensure that the end result remains faithful to Compagnie du Ponant’s demands for elegance, innovation and comfort.

Both ships will be capable of a 16 knot average cruising speed while providing passengers with a high degree of stability and comfort. Respect for the environment is at the heart of the design. For example being equipped with a computerised dynamic positioning system, the ships will never have to drop anchor in fragile marine reserves. Le Boréal and L’Austral will be fully eligible for a “Green Ship” label.

For the interiors, Compagnie du Ponant has appointed the architecture and interior design agency of Ocre Bleu and an elegant contemporary style is planned, which will favour natural materials and traditional nautical features in the communal spaces, as well as throughout the 132 outside cabins and suites, 95% of which have balconies. A reception area, spacious lounges, two restaurants, a fully equipped theatre, an outside swimming pool, a beauty and fitness centre and an observation lounge are planned.