TARA polar station, FR

A government commissioner, designated by the French Ministry of the Interior, takes part in the meetings and plays an advisory role, ensuring that the statutes and promotion of the public interest are upheld by the activities of the Tara Ocean Foundation.

Contact

Head of Operations: Clementine Moulin clementine(at)fondationtaraocean.org

Tara Polaris I: Marcel.Babin(at)takuvik.ulaval.ca

Location

Central Arctic Ocean

Website

https://fondationtaraocean.org/en/schooner/tara-polar-station/

Facilities

The first transpolar drift is planned to start August 2026 with therefor a first summer period around April 2027. Station will only be able to welcome RI users in the summer during the drift phase as in the winter the team will remain on board for 8 months. However, in the summer, they plan to have rotations after 2 or 3 months.

Equipment: Fixed scientific equipment : GPS, ADCP, Sonars (38 & 120kHz), Rosette carrousel, winch fitted with 1500m EM cable, TSG system, Seawater biological pumps (30L/min), chemical Hoods, Biosafety cabinet, freezers -20°, +4°C and -80°C, LN2 generator, 2 diving gears. Space can welcome inline system, ROV.

Availability for access

Only as Remote Access. See table in the dedicated Transnational Access call page.

Additional information: During the Tara Polaris I expedition 2026-2027 which will be divided into different phases:
WINTER (mid august 2026 to mid april 2027)
SPRING (Mid-April 2027 to End of June 2027)
SUMMER (July 2027 & August 2027)
FALL (Sept & +/-November 2027)

Permits, licenses and training and Medical guidelines

Access is only offered as Remote Access.