L’AUSTRAL Launched

Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard launched L’ AUSTRAL, the second of two luxury cruise ships for France’s Compagnie du Ponant. Florence Rousset served as Godmother  of the soon-to-be French registered ship while Jean-Emmanuel Sauvee, Director General of Compagnie du Ponant, Véronique Saade, Ponant’s  Deputy Managing Director and Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard Director,  Antonio Quintano, were all present for the April 8 occasion. L’AUSTRAL measures 142 meters long (466 ft) and 20 meters wide (65 ft). Passenger capacity is for over 260 guests, accommodated in 132 cabins and suites, all with a sea view, 94% of which have a private balcony. At 10,700 gt, L’ AUSTRAL will be delivered in May 2011 and followed by her sister, LE BOREAL.  Compangie du Ponant is headquartered in Marseilles with a fleet of three super-luxury market cruise ships. Founded in 1988, the company is a member of CMA-CGM Group, the world’s third largest container shipping conglomerate.