Selar – a newcomer to the polar expedition scene with a mission to challenge the status quo – recently announced its first nature-powered luxury ship, due to set sail for the Arctic in 2026. The brand’s cofounder and trailblazing Arctic captain, Sophie Galvagnon, speaks with OutThere about her vision for a greener, more inclusive future for the industry.
It would be ironic to visit the Arctic, the part of the world most affected by climate change, on a vast ship with an equally vast carbon footprint, while not getting to immerse yourself in the local wonders in a way worthy of the environmental cost of visiting. With the increased popularity of luxury cruises, brands grapple with providing high-end sailing experiences while catering to travellers’ sense of responsibility towards the planet – and some companies take to the task in imaginative ways.
Selar is one of the brands, if not the brand, promising to lead expedition cruising into a greener future, offering the first polar ship powered by solar and wind energy. But beyond its vision for sustainable journeys, Selar also seeks to pioneer a new model of human connection on board: its Arctic journeys will be internet-free, encouraging conversation and interaction with fellow guests and the environment. It’s somewhat daring, though in an era in which the online world is difficult to escape, being forced to do just that is perhaps the ultimate luxury.
More admirably still, Selar will also inevitably model the future of cruising with regards to inclusion, for its co-founder Sophie Galvagnon, who started the company along with entrepreneurs Julia Bijaoui and Quentin Vacher, will pave the way for others as the first female and first openly gay Arctic captain. In a historically patriarchal industry, it would appear that its latest player means full steam ahead for progress.
Sophie, can you tell us about what first drew you to working on ships and what your path was like from there to becoming a captain, ice pilot, and CEO of Selar?
I’ve always had a deep connection to the sea, influenced by my Franco-Swedish heritage, and my love for icy landscapes began early, inspired by the Scandinavian winters with their frozen lakes and vast snowy expanses.
While studying to become a captain, I initially sailed on cargo ships. My true passion for polar exploration ignited in 2008, when I first encountered ice on a large cruise ship with 200 passengers. It was an immediate and powerful attraction to this environment, despite the contradiction of exploring remote areas with such large vessels.
To gain experience in ice and polar navigation, I returned to Sweden, where there is extensive knowledge and a dedicated fleet. I enjoyed my best moments at sea, alternating between winter on Swedish icebreakers and summer on polar expedition ships in the Arctic. At 26, I became the youngest woman to command a polar expedition ship, navigating through challenging, ice-filled waters.
I consider myself a polar geek, completely addicted to ice and ice navigation – so I became an ice pilot and ice adviser, too. This work consists of training other captains and officers, assisting ships in ice navigation, planning and preparing navigation for ships in polar waters and so on.
Finally, after ten years of sailing and developing polar expeditions, I needed to go further and develop a business within the sector that was shaped according to a different vision for the future of this industry.
How did the idea for Selar come about and how did you want it to be different from other Arctic expeditions available?
Selar was born out of necessity. After years of working on different kinds of vessels – small and large but always fuel-intensive ships – I became disillusioned with the industry’s environmental impact. The more time I spent in the Arctic, the more I realized that sustainable exploration wasn’t just an option; it was a responsibility.
Selar is designed to be different in every way. Our ship is powered by wind and solar energy, cutting carbon emissions by 90%. It’s smaller, carrying only 36 passengers, which allows us to offer a deeply immersive experience including spontaneous stops to follow wildlife, flexible routes based on weather, and a focus on quality over quantity. This is not a cruise; it’s an expedition, with no fixed itinerary and a spirit of true exploration.
We also wanted to establish a more modern and younger brand in parallel with reconnecting with the spirit of adventure. The small size of the vessel matters a lot, giving us access to remote areas. Equally, the small group size allows one to be in the field six to eight hours a day, enhancing polar immersion. Everyone can be ashore at the same time and we can have different groups and different activities, like hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, paddling, and skiing.
Our ship is designed so that the experience on board is an adventure, too. You will be invited to all sorts of events by the crew or the guides, from learning how to navigate icy waters on the bridge to fishing with the chef or learning about polar bears. But if you seek champagne in a hot jacuzzi and a dance performance at the end of the day, you’ll be disappointed. It’s all about sourcing the ultimate experiential and authentic emotions.
Beyond tourism, Selar is also committed to science and plastic removal. Our ship is equipped to collect plastic waste from the shores of Svalbard, and we aim to remove at least five tonnes annually in partnership with initiatives like “Clean Up Svalbard”. We also support scientific research by providing logistical zero-carbon provisioning to remote research stations.
It seems that one of the core concepts of Selar is human connection, which is reflected in there being no internet access on board. How was that decision made and do you worry that it might be a deterrent for some travellers?
I’ve experienced expeditions both with and without the internet, and the difference is striking. The moment connectivity is available, especially near the coast, passengers inevitably shift their attention to their devices, and something is lost. Without the internet, people engage more deeply – with the landscapes, the crew, and each other.
The decision to remove the internet from our ship wasn’t made lightly. It’s about giving back some freedom and not missing out on the powerful moments that define an Arctic expedition. Whether it’s bonding over a shared wildlife sighting, reflecting under the northern lights, or simply enjoying the profound silence of the Arctic, the absence of the internet enhances these experiences rather than detracting from them.
Today it is a rare luxury to be disconnected, to reconnect with the present, to have the time to live and feel the moment through your eyes and body. Human connection is at the heart of Selar. Our crew – guides, expedition leaders, and captains – makes every guest feel like part of the team.
Even the ship’s design encourages connection. Our spaces are intentionally created to bring people together: whether it’s gathering around a shared table, relaxing on deck, or bonding over the day’s discoveries. These moments of sharing and interaction make every journey richer, forging connections that often last well beyond the expedition itself. At Selar, we’re not just about exploring the Arctic… we’re about experiencing it together.
What was behind the decision to create a “nature-powered” ship and was it a significant challenge?
The decision to create a ship powered by nature, using wind and solar energy, was driven by a deep sense of responsibility for the Arctic and the belief that exploration and sustainability can coexist. However, as with all disruptive changes, bringing this vision to life was no small task. A ship like this required significant investment and collaboration during the design and concept phase. But the enthusiasm for the project was incredible. People understood that it was a necessary step forward, and that gave us all the energy needed to make it a reality.
We had to find the right technologies, the right architects, and a shipyard capable of bringing our vision to life. What kept me going was the inspiration of past explorers, who navigated the world with far simpler tools and relied entirely on natural energy. Selar combines this pioneering spirit with modern innovation to create something entirely new.
However, sustainability is often limited to “decarbonating” the ship or the industrial tool. The most powerful action is much deeper: it’s in changing habits, also within the cruise industry. We had to rethink the way we travel. Our expeditions have no fixed itineraries, allowing us to adapt to weather, wildlife, and the unexpected opportunities the Arctic provides. We spend more time ashore, immerse our guests in the natural world, and ensure that every journey feels meaningful and unique. This way of travelling is adventurous in spirit and adapted to a low-carbon philosophy.
Can you tell us about your experience as a female captain and, specifically, as the first female Arctic captain?
As I jumped on the Swedish fleet, I was fortunate to work in an environment that values equality. There, I was never treated differently than other genders neither in daily life nor in career possibilities. I began to command polar ships early on and gained respect as a professional. But when I returned to France, I saw how deeply patriarchal the maritime industry still is.
At Selar, we are committed to gender parity across every sector of the ship, whether in engineering, leadership, or hospitality. It’s unfortunate that this is still a milestone to celebrate in 2025, but it’s a step forward. As the first woman to command a polar expedition ship full-time in such extreme environments, I’ve worked hard to earn my place in a field that has historically excluded women. It’s been a challenging journey, but also a rewarding one, and I’ve also seen progress, but not enough – only 1% of seafarers are women according to data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Bottom row: From skiing to snorkelling with orcas or spotting polar bears, land and water excursions promise to thrill travellers in search of adventure.
What is the industry like for women at the moment, and how is it changing?
We all have a different story but I think we would all agree that we had to “prove” our legitimacy of being onboard at some point and prove that we could do the job. Unfortunately, we’ve all had to deal with inconvenient situations, including harassment and so on. If you fail, it’s “because you are a woman” and if you succeed, it’s also “because you are a woman”.
Things are changing – a little too slowly – but at least we are more equal in terms of consideration and behaviours. There are still very few women, especially in technical roles or heading up departments. The younger generation, especially the men, are much more progressive, however, so that’s a good sign!
How has being a gay woman shaped your experience in the maritime industry?
My experience wasn’t different from those of straight women I think, except I matched even more with the clichés. Some old-fashioned people establish a link between being a gay woman and working in a male-dominated industry when of course there isn’t one. But apart from that, everything has been as it should be. But I was lucky, it never became an issue onboard and I’ve lived quite openly.
How would you say that things have changed for LGBTQ+ people in the industry in recent years, if at all? What improvements are still left to make?
I’ve been fortunate to sail on ships with crews that are openly accepting, which has made me feel comfortable. This acceptance is more prevalent in the passenger ship and cruise industry. The majority of the global shipping fleet is less welcoming. Many of my gay friends feel compelled to conceal their identities or lie about them to avoid potential issues.
Since ships operate under the flags of their respective countries, the legal landscape can be quite restrictive. Additionally, even in LGBTQ-friendly companies, the comfort level for LGBTQ+ individuals often hinges on the attitudes of the crew. This highlights the importance of consistently reinforcing the company’s policies regarding inclusivity. I also personally observed a significant lack of representation for the transgender community on board ships, which is an area that could benefit from improvement in the future.
Why does the maritime industry benefit from captains from diverse backgrounds? And why is this important to the Selar brand?
Diversity in the maritime industry brings fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and a broader understanding of the world we navigate. Captains from diverse backgrounds bring unique skills, experiences, and ways of problem-solving that enrich how ships are managed and how crews work together. For example, my Franco-Swedish background has allowed me to blend Scandinavian approaches to equality and innovation with a deep appreciation for the global maritime tradition.
At Selar, diversity is a core value. It’s reflected not only in our crew but in the way we approach exploration itself. We believe that a mix of backgrounds – whether cultural, professional, or experiential – creates a richer and more inclusive environment. It allows us to connect more authentically with the passengers, local communities, and the fragile ecosystems we encounter.
This commitment to diversity is central to Selar’s ethos: to redefine how we explore the polar regions, not just through sustainability, but by fostering human connection and collaboration. By assembling a crew with a range of experiences and perspectives, we’re building a company that truly represents the global community and the shared responsibility we all have to protect our planet.
Photography and renderings courtesy of Selar
