The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Swiss watch manufacture

Blancpain have signed an agreement formalising their partnership in working towards the preservation of the world’s oceans.

The agreement was signed on board the MV Yersin during the exploration vessel’s christening ceremony on June 20 at Port Hercules, which was attended by His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Continuing the legacy of Prince Albert I of Monaco, who, during his lifetime, undertook 28 exploration projects and is internationally renowned as a pioneer of modern oceanography, Prince Albert II ensures that marine and environmental issues are at the forefront of the international stage through his foundation. 

The foundation is involved in the realms of climate change, renewable energy, biodiversity, marine resources and desertification. 

It supports a great many projects in specific geographical zones such as the Mediterranean basin, the polar regions and developing countries, as well as encouraging environmental preservation and sustainable development. 

Together with its partners, the foundation strives to improve awareness of the impact of human activity on natural environments in order to encourage ecological awareness.

Honoring its close ties with diving and its Fifty Fathoms watch heritage which goes back six decades, Blancpain has dedicated itself to the cause of conservation and safeguarding of the oceans. 

The brand’s endeavours in this realm are united under the Blancpain Ocean Commitment label. The manufacture is convinced that support for the protection of the environment depends directly on public information and strives to encourage overall awareness as well as sponsoring large-scale scientific projects, oceanographic explorations, underwater photography, environmental forums, public exhibitions, high-profile publications and a dedicated website.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Blancpain have a shared philosophy regarding the protection of the marine environment and the promotion of sustainable development of the “blue economy” on an international scale. 

Both parties already collaborate by supporting the National Geographic Pristine Seas initiative of which Blancpain is a long-serving partner and for which Prince Albert II is president of the advisory committee. 

The programme notably enables the protection of vast marine areas in the US, Great Britain, Chile, Gabon, Kiribati and Costa Rica, which now extend over more than 2,200,000 sq km. 

These protected areas represent a key condition in grasping the true dimensions of the impact made by human beings on ocean life and evaluating the implementation of conservation activities. They also embody an essential step in improving ocean health for future generations.

Both the foundation and Blancpain are particularly proud of having successfully sealed their agreement on the occasion of the blessing of the Yersin, and extend their warmest thanks to François Fiat, the vessel’s owner, and his crew.

François Fiat is Fiat Chrysler Automobile's Chief Marketing Officer, and the first ambassador for La Belle Classe Superyachts, a label created by the Yacht Club de Monaco in 2005 to support owners in navigation and choice of ports worldwide.

His 77-m Yersin is designed to navigate in any conditions, including ice exploration and will be used for the Adventure Science Education (ASE) project.

Designed to take up to 20 passengers, the vessel has a range of 12,000 nautical miles and 50 days without having to take on supplies, avoiding any exterior or interior pollutant releases. Among the many innovative features is the fact that she can accommodate a seaplane.

Encouraged by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the vessel will contribute to the preservation of our planet, with the support of researchers and scientists globally, as well as the participation of children and students.

Built by French yard Piriou, the ship is named in honour of Dr Alexandre Yersin who spent 50 years in Indochina. His research into the diphtheria toxin and discovery of the bacillus behind the bubonic plague in 1894 earned him international recognition, after which he dedicated his life to the local people of the future Vietnam.

Yersin has chosen Monaco as its “emotional” home port.