SELAR: The first fully sustainable collection of luxury Polar ships and expeditions, set to embark
Founded by the first female arctic Captain, Sophie Galvagnon, alongside experienced entrepreneurs, Julia Bijaoui and Quentin Vacher, Selar aims to provide adventurers with an expedition experience of a lifetime and is set to embark on its first journey in 2026.
Launching the first ever ship to be powered by nature, the founding trio is set to change the face of the cruise industry and lead the way to decarbonising the world’s oceans by replacing fossil-fuelled ships with a new breed of zero-emission sailing vessels. Unlike other ships, Selar will use the sun and wind to navigate its expeditions, with 5 solid sails covered in 20,000 square feet of solar panels. The ship will cruise without any noise, vibration or smell and will save 90% CO2 compared to any cruise ship of the region. This is a significant step for the maritime sector, which currently emits as much CO2 as the aviation sector and is only increasing.
Sophie Galvagnon, Selar’s CEO, comments “The more I sailed in the Arctic, the more evident it became that a change in how we explore was necessary. I decided to dedicate my expertise to transforming the cruise industry in a way that ensures the preservation of these remote regions I love. Ironically, the solution I envision for the future is inspired by our bold pioneering ancestors, who already harnessed wind power and embraced pure adventure on a grander scale than we do today. With advanced technology, we can also optimise the use of additional natural resources like sun, water, and wood. Selar has achieved a balance between technology, innovation, and exploration to introduce something entirely new and different.”
About The Selar Polar Expeditions
Selar’s debut polar expeditions are set to be something truly different. Unlike other ships that host up to 200 passengers, Selar will welcome 36 passengers onboard a bespoke, 230 feet, close-to-zero-emission sailing ship, allowing for the best experiences. Each expedition will be led by a handpicked crew of skilled polar navigators and explorers, granting exceptional access to onshore off-track experiences – from observing polar bears in complete silence and hiking on the ice edge above 80°, to enjoying a hot chocolate in a driftwood hut and kayaking in front of a deep blue glacier surrounded by the sound of ice.
With no set itineraries, the ship is designed to provide adventurers with flexibility for the best possible journey, responding to the surrounding wildlife, weather conditions and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. A number of expeditions will be led by the world’s wildest adventurers, including Loury Lag, Caroline Coteì, and Arthur Gueìrin. Selar’s ethos is rooted in sustainable, off-the-beaten-track, experiential travel with each trip offering discoveries, not holidays, expeditions, not cruises, with a primary focus on keeping adventurers captivated and engaged.
To ensure every expedition becomes not just a journey to explore the world, but a way to deepen an appreciation and understanding of it, Selar will invite highly credible artists and scientists on board, so they can share their visions, sensibilities, and discoveries. The ship will feature a science laboratory which can collect data even in the most remote areas.
The vessel will even be used as a logistic support for the research institutes in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard. Those onboard can experience these facilities first hand, engaging in lively conversations with fellow adventurers, crew members and expand their horizons further with bespoke masterclasses led by Selar guides, resident artists or scientists – another part of what makes Selar experiences unique.

Each expedition will be led by a handpicked crew of skilled polar navigators and explorers, granting exceptional access to onshore off-track experiences – from observing polar bears in complete silence and hiking on the ice edge above 80°, to enjoying a hot chocolate in a driftwood hut and kayaking in front of a deep blue glacier surrounded by the sound of ice.
Inspired by nature and created to feel like home, the ship will house a variety of areas including 19 cabins, all with a view on the horizon, as well as a restaurant and a library for adventurers to enjoy during their stay. The interior spaces are being designed by Franco-Swedish designer, Joséphine Fossey, who carefully selected each element to create minimalist and refined havens of peace, emphasising sustainable materials. The rooftop sailing deck will be open for passengers, giving a panoramic view as well as an access to a green powered sauna and polar cold tub.
Selar is passionate about going above and beyond and serving other purposes beyond tourism. Selar is building long term partnerships with the local communities and governments to make a positive impact. For example, Northern Europe currently brings a huge amount of plastic waste to the Arctic, landing on the wild coast and harming wildlife. In collaboration with the Norwegian government’s organisation for plastic removal, Selar’s vessel is expected to remove more than 5 tonnes of plastic annually.
Selar’s maiden expeditions in 2026/27 will include:
- Dive with Orcas in Norway – From November 3rd to 9th, 2026
Experience the magic of winter in the Arctic, a time when nature reveals its most breathtaking wonders. This is the promise of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: swimming in crystal-clear waters alongside majestic orcas. With no set itinerary, the crew will take you on spontaneous adventures through the unique landscapes of the Norwegian fjords: paddleboarding or kayaking, observing humpback whales, and meeting locals in quaint fishing villages. As night falls, look up to witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights painting the sky. - Ski & Sail in the fjords – From January 31st to February 6th, 2027
Have you ever imagined skiing with an ocean view? Each day, the captain will drop you off at a new location for cross-country skiing in the heart of the Arctic mountains. Throughout the journey, you’ll be able to admire the stunning scenery as you sail silently through snow-covered fjords and enjoy fishing excursions with the chef. After a day of exploring pristine snow-covered landscapes, the crew will invite you to warm up under the Northern Lights with a hot cup of glögg. - Svalbard in the Midnight Sun – From July 28th to August 8th , 2027
Venture to the northernmost archipelago on Earth. Connect with the raw, untouched Arctic wilderness as you observe polar bears, walruses, reindeers or whales and embark on glacier walks under the midnight sun.
About the Founders
Sophie Galvagnon, Entrepreneur & CEO / Captain / Expedition Leader / Ice Pilot
Sophie Galvagnon, a French-Swedish captain, has spent a significant period in Arctic regions, exploring the polar world aboard a wide range of vessels, from research icebreakers to cruise ships. At just 26 years old, she became the youngest woman to command polar expedition ships, earning maritime honours for her remarkable contributions to sea expeditions.
With a blend of passion and dedication, navigating through the ice and mapping uncharted areas have become her distinctive expertise, which she continues to nurture during her own expeditions or special missions. Since 2017, she has expanded her influence in the field of polar adventure to entrepreneurship, founding maritime companies and developing ships tailored to these unique extreme environments.
Julia Bijaoui & Quentin Vacher
Julia Bijaoui and Quentin Vacher are a French entrepreneurial duo who have founded and grown together 2 successful companies in the consumer tech industry. Julia was the first female CEO of a “Next 40” company, a French government label designating the 40 most promising companies in France.