Latitude Blanche, established in France in 2017, is redefining polar exploration. Drawing from years of experience in ice navigation and Arctic cruising, the company launched a bold new model of expedition travel – designed by explorers, for explorers. The results? Nothing short of spectacular. Just take a look at the images – they say more than words ever could.
When French polar expedition pioneers Latitude Blanche began searching online for a supplier of a rare fuel feed pump, they were in a race against time. Founded in 2017 by maritime graduates Sophie Galvagnon and Yann le Bellec, the company operates Polarfront, a vessel built for extreme Arctic conditions.
The challenge? Sourcing a highly specific hydraulic fuel feed pump – a critical spare part for the ship’s main engine. Without it, expeditions would be cancelled, resulting in lost income and disappointed adventurers.
Despite expectations of a slow, difficult search for the extremely rare hydraulic pump, Latitude Blanche discovered Hydraulics Online at the top of global organic search results. That discovery proved to be the turning point.
“Quick and precise,” said Co-founder and CEO Yann le Bellec, summing up the experience.
Our "Quick and Precise" Solution
Sourcing discontinued or unidentified hydraulic components is familiar territory for Hydraulics Online – especially when adapting older systems to modern, off-the-shelf alternatives. So the task of sourcing the rare fuel feed pump which Latitude Blanche so desperately needed for their Arctic vessel, the task landed squarely with Hydraulics Online Managing Director, Mark Tonks, who tackled it head-on.
After reviewing specifications, the optimal replacement fuel feed pump was identified quickly. Following just a few email exchanges, the order was confirmed and delivered within 48 hours – minimising downtime and restoring expedition readiness.
Hydraulics Online provides trusted technical guidance for every challenge. As one customer put it:
“You don’t just shift boxes; you know your business inside and out.”
With access to over 80 independent hydraulic brands, we deliver unbiased, best-fit solutions tailored to each application – whether it’s marine, industrial, or polar-grade.
Do you want to become an Arctic Explorer?
Click here to discover the fascinating world of Latitude Blanche and their ship ‘Polarfront’!
The impact was dramatic. The supplied pump is the main engine fuel feed pump… without this pump the ship cannot move!
We’re an award-winning and ISO 9001 – accredited company with vast experience in global hydraulic sourcing and engineering. If it’s hydraulic we can design it, supply it, solve it or repair it!
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