BRAND-NEW
AkzoNobel Partners with Polar Pod for Pioneering Scientific Mission in Antarctica AkzoNobel is the exclusive paints and coatings partner of a pioneering scientific expedition which will send an oceanographic platform around Antarctica to study the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
P
olar Pod, created
© AkzoNobel
from project construction through to the completion of
by explorer and
environmentalist Jean-Louis
its three-year mission, which is
Etienne, will enable scientists
expected to start in December
and explorers to study the
2023.
Antarctic Circumpolar Current,
This collaboration has a strong
which has a great influence on
link to AkzoNobel’s 2030
the Earth’s climate and contains
“Planet” ambitions, which
a reserve of marine biodiversity.
include reducing carbon emissions by 50% and moving
How Polar Pod works
towards zero waste as a
Polar Pod is a 100-metres high
company.
platform, thus taller than the
“This is a really exciting
Statue of Liberty, that will be
partnership and a fantastic
towed horizontally to its first
example of how we’re prepared
study area and tilted vertically
to go to the ends of the
by filling seawater ballast tanks
Earth to help our customers
– when most of the structure
and discover pioneering
will be submerged. As it
ways to become even more
gradually makes it way around
sustainable,” says AkzoNobel
the Antarctic continent, driven
CEO, Thierry Vanlancker.
by the circumpolar current (thus
“It represents an intriguing
ensuring zero emissions), it will
blend of visionary thinking
allow the acquisition of data
and environmental ambition which fits perfectly with our
and long-term observations that will be transmitted to researchers, oceanographers, climatologists and
own People. Planet. Paint. approach to sustainable business. We’re
biologists at 43 scientific institutions in 12 countries.
extremely proud to be involved.” “As an industry leader in sustainability
Operating in an area that sailors refer to as the Furious Fifties
and a global market leader in marine and yacht coatings, lowering
(between 50° S and 55° S), studies will include: air/ocean exchange
our environmental impact on the planet and contributing towards
measurements, in particular related to CO2; wave dynamics; plankton
ocean preservation are key aspects of our strategy,” adds Jean Michel
collection and evaluation of the impact of acidification; acoustic
Gauthier, Director of the company’s Marine and Protective Coatings
inventory of marine fauna; validation at sea of satellite measurements
business.
and aerial observation of marine life. The Polar Pod will be supported
“Sponsoring the Polar Pod expedition is a great way for us to help
by a dedicated offshore supply vessel, which will be permanently
advance scientific knowledge of the pivotal role the Southern Ocean
assigned to the mission. It will leave the nearest port to join the
plays on the Earth’s climate and marine biodiversity. We’re looking
platform on its drift course as it crosses the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic
forward to supporting the team and raising awareness of the program
Oceans.
as the mission begins to gather momentum.”
AkzoNobel’s sponsorship
For further information: www.akzonobel.com
AkzoNobel will sponsor the 1,000-ton platform for the next five years,
and www.oceanpolaire.org/en/polar-pod/
ipcm® Protective Coatings - 2021 APRIL - N.37
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