A low-carbon research boat for the Observatory on LAkes

The Observatory on LAkes (OLA) is located in Thonon-les-Bains and is part of UMR CARRTEL, an INRAE - USMB research unit. OLA carries out long-term observations of lakes to study environmental changes, using a wide range of in situ measurements and samples. OLA's main study sites are the major peri-alpine lakes: Léman, Annecy, Bourget and Aiguebelette.

Lakes are important biogeochemical reactors, and are highly reactive to environmental change as they are subject to anthropogenic and climatic pressures in their watersheds. Consequently, lakes have a sentinel role in the study of environmental change.

Following the need to replace its current boat to ensure the continuity of its in situ sampling and measurement missions, UMR CARRTEL has put together a project for a new boat. This low-carbon limnological research boat meets environmental requirements and the demands of researchers. It also allows the integration of new techniques in limnology, the study of continental waters.

The boat's hybrid propulsion will ensure the quality of the samples, as sampling will be carried out solely in electric mode, eliminating the risk of pollution associated with thermal propulsion. The boat has a dry laboratory and a wet laboratory, the former dedicated to the maintenance of electronic equipment, and the latter for rapid pre-treatment of collected samples. The boat will also be used for limnology training courses.

The boat was launched in November 2024, and is currently (January 2025) undergoing trials before moving to its home port at CARRTEL in Thonon; the official inauguration is scheduled for spring 2025.

Contact : Jean Guillard ( Contact by emaill )


Publiée le 14 January 2025

Partager