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96 | BLUE INNOVATIONS

© Andreas Lindlahr

Boris Herrmann
Vendée Globe 2020 skipper
(SeaExplorer – Monaco Yacht Club)

What was the main objective of this mission? years, directly sending data to scientists on tempera-
The main objective was to collect data on CO levels ture, salinity and pressure.
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on the ocean surface to help scientists understand the
impact of climate change on our ocean. How can this data make a difference in ocean
science?
Was this scientific mission a first for you? The Ocean Lab measures three main parameters: sur-
We tested this installation, which was designed by face CO levels, temperature and salinity of the water.
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SubCtech engineers, with Pierre Casiraghi, my team The data revealed increases in CO off the coast of
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mate and founder of Team Malizia, during our previous Brazil, but also New Zealand. With Team Malizia, and
sailing trips. So the Ocean Lab has already been tried particularly during this round-the-world race, we visited
and tested over 60,000 kilometres in recent years. We distant ocean areas which are rarely visited. This type
tweaked it, but it was up and running for Vendée Globe. of data cannot be collected by satellite or autonomous
buoys. And with Vendée Globe, this is the first tracking
What did you need to do on board? Did it slow project of this type, over 80 days. The data we have
you down during the race? collected allows scientists to supplement their data on
The automated system was designed to require mi- the ocean, which covers 70% of the planet. This will
nimal input from the sailor. I was able to concentrate give them a better understanding of CO absorption
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100% on the race! The data is sent in real-time to mechanisms and the impact of climate change on all
partner laboratories, on land, to be analysed. Every 24 ocean regions.
hours, the device self-calibrates using a pressurised
gas bottle, which maintains the level of precision. And Which scientific programmes are involved?
everything kept working until the end! The only thing The data is sent to the Max Planck Institute meteo-
I had to do was take a water sample to calibrate the rology laboratory, as well as the labs at Geomar and
data collected. On the 10 day of the race, I released Ifremer. After processing, it is submitted to the SOCAT
th
an Argos type beacon which will drift about for many global database, where it is checked again. A flag is