On the occasion of the christening of the schooner Persévérance, which will be used to supply the scientific platform, Jean-Louis Etienne spoke about the Polar Pod project as a whole.
What does the Polar Pod scientific project involve?
The Polar Pod is a scientific expedition on a vertical vessel that will explore the Southern Ocean, in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Without propulsion, it will drift around Antarctica, on a 12,000-mile journey. Ships in this zone are very rare. Some survey the area during the austral summer, but it remains difficult to access year-round. In fact, in order to collect in-situ data, we need a vessel capable of absorbing surface disturbances. Polar Pod was developed with this in mind.
How can such a ship withstand the onslaught of southern storms?
The Polar Pod is a vertical vessel that adapts to sea conditions. It measures 100 m in total height, with a draught of 75 m. With its 150-tonne ballast, it will remain vertical, and its lattice structure, which offers little surface area to wave impact, will remain indifferent to sea state. Polar Pod has no propulsion and obtains its energy from the on-board wind generator, which will be stored in two 50 kWh battery packs. We're on a zero-emission vessel during the campaign.
Polar Pod's trajectory can be altered slightly by adjusting the orientation of the rigid sails.
75m draught, that doesn't fit in any port...?
At the start of the expedition, the Polar Pod will be towed horizontally. Once in the area corresponding to the start of the expedition, the ballast tanks will be filled and the vessel will stand vertically. The measuring instruments will be installed and the campaign can begin.
Won't the crew be in danger of being battered during the southern lows?
According to our calculations, with a Polar Pod pounding frequency of 60 s, the crew will be subjected to movements equivalent to 0.3 G. In the worst conditions, this is equivalent to what you feel when standing in the bar car of a TGV train.
What's the current state of construction?
The life nacelle is being built by Piriou in Concarneau, while the truss and bottom caisson will be assembled by 3C Metal in South Africa. The whole unit should be assembled in 2024, for deployment in 2025.
Why drift around Antarctica?
The scientific context in the deep south is incredible. The Polar Pod will evolve silently, in harmony with its environment and its measurements.
CO2 dissolves better in colder waters, and the Deep South is a major climate regulator. We'll be taking an inventory of the fauna by microphone, as we know their sound signature.
We'll be carrying out a biology study, as well as phytoplankton and zooplankton studies.
What role will the sailboat Persévérance play?
Persévérance will be Polar Pod's supply and support vessel. The schooner will rotate every two months for bunkering and crew relief.
Cargo and crew transfers will take place from the Polar Pod's ailerons, via a crane that will target our onboard tender.
When Perseverance is not on a supply mission, it will be used for southern cruises and specific scientific missions.
How is the overall expedition budget financed?
Polar Pod, with a construction budget of 15 million euros, is mainly financed by the French government via the SGPI fund.
Persévérance was mostly financed by myself. I borrowed 7 million euros to start construction.
The overall operating budget for the project is 18 million over 5 years.
And why did you name it "Perseverance"?
Perseverance means resisting the temptation to give up. It's the desire that drives me. I have the freedom to invent something that doesn't exist. With this project, I've been able to use all my freedom.
