Tara Polar Station departed Lorient, France, for the Arctic on 19 July. Bringing together more than 30 research institutes from 12 countries, the expedition will support a broad range of international scientific programmes, including the Swiss-led ARKTIS project.
After a few technical stops, last one being in Kirkenes, Norway, Tara Polar Station is planning to freeze into the ice near 82°N, 140°E in early September and start her drift in the Arctic Ocean. Aboard the vessel, the SPI Flagship Initiative “ARKTIS” will collect an interdisciplinary suite of samples and observations. These measurements will improve our understanding of the rapidly changing Arctic Ocean and its ecosystems, the interactions between the ocean, sea ice and atmosphere, and the Arctic’s role in the global climate system.
Continue reading on the ARKTIS Project website →
Header photo: © 2026 Fondation Tara Océan / François Dourlens, all rights reserved