The Tara Ocean Foundation, a France-based organization focused on advancing ocean conservation, is preparing to launch the Tara Polaris 1 scientific mission to the Arctic. The expedition will continue the foundation's long-term efforts to monitor climate change and study its effects on marine ecosystems. During 2026–2027, the Tara Polar Station—a state-of-the-art drifting research laboratory and observatory—will undertake its inaugural 18-month voyage, marking the beginning of a 20-year scientific program carried out in collaboration with 30 leading research institutions.

To help reduce the mission's environmental footprint*, Neste will supply Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ for the expedition. The renewable fuel will replace conventional fossil diesel in the station's energy systems, enabling reliable operation in the Arctic's harsh climate while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 90% of the renewable diesel will power onboard generators and heating systems alongside wind and solar energy, while the remaining fuel will be used for propulsion.

Romain Troublé, Managing Director of the Tara Ocean Foundation, said the vessel was designed from the outset to operate on renewable diesel because of its efficient combustion and lower carbon emissions. He added that partnering with Neste, one of the world's leading renewable diesel producers, strengthens the foundation's ambitious scientific mission to the Arctic.

Studying climate change in the Central Arctic Ocean
The world's oceans play a crucial role in moderating climate change by absorbing nearly 30% of global carbon dioxide emissions and capturing about 90% of the excess heat generated by those emissions, according to the United Nations. The Central Arctic Ocean is particularly important because it helps regulate the Earth's climate. However, it has also become one of the regions most severely affected by global warming, with temperatures increasing three to four times faster than the global average due to continued greenhouse gas emissions.

Equipped with six laboratories and advanced scientific instruments, the Tara Polar Station will conduct extensive research in the Central Arctic Ocean. Scientists will examine the condition of the marine environment and its unique biodiversity, gathering year-round data to better understand seasonal and long-term environmental changes. The findings are expected to provide policymakers with valuable scientific evidence on the evolving impacts of climate change.

Reliable fuel for an extreme expedition
The Tara Polar Station is expected to spend around 90% of its mission embedded in Arctic sea ice while drifting across the Central Arctic Ocean. Since refueling will not be possible during the expedition and temperatures can be extremely low, dependable fuel performance is essential to ensure uninterrupted scientific operations.

Carl Nyberg, Senior Vice President Commercial for Renewable Products at Neste, said the company has extensive experience helping organizations reduce fossil fuel dependence through renewable fuel solutions. He noted that this is the first time Neste's renewable diesel is supporting a scientific expedition in the Arctic and expressed pride in contributing to research that will improve understanding of climate change while providing reliable fuel performance under demanding polar conditions.

Powering the Tara Polar Station
The Tara Polar Station departed from its home port of Lorient, France, on July 19 and reached Dordrecht, the Netherlands, on July 23 for refueling. At an OK (Catom) marine bunker facility, one of Neste's renewable diesel distribution partners in the Netherlands, the station loaded nearly 90,000 liters of Neste MY Renewable Diesel™. Following the refueling stop, the vessel continued its journey to Norway before heading into the Arctic, where the scientific expedition is scheduled to begin in mid-August.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ offers a lower-emission alternative to conventional fossil diesel*. Because its chemical composition closely resembles traditional diesel, it can be used directly in existing diesel engines and fuel infrastructure without modifications. The fuel also delivers dependable performance in extreme cold, remaining effective at temperatures as low as -32°C.

Logitech is honored to support students from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography as they attend the 2024 UN Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. These remarkable researchers will present their groundbreaking work addressing the challenges of the ocean and global climate crisis. By fostering collaboration between emerging leaders and current policymakers, we aim to ensure that their voices contribute to shaping the future of climate action.

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) brings together experts, scientists, policymakers, and activists from across the globe. This year’s agenda emphasizes financial support for developing nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate-related disasters.

Scripps delegates will showcase innovative research on carbon, technology, financial strategies, and interdisciplinary approaches to a rapidly evolving ocean environment. Their participation in discussions with international climate negotiators provides an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to ocean science and climate solutions.

By assisting these students in traveling to Baku, we aim to amplify their impactful work. Empowering young voices is essential, as they represent the next generation of climate leaders driving progress toward a sustainable future.

We spoke with Vanessa Minnis, a PhD student at Scripps, about her anticipation for COP29:

1) What excites you most about COP29?
I’m thrilled to participate in COP29 because it offers a platform to engage with global leaders and innovators in climate solutions. My research focuses on utilizing microbes in soils to enhance carbon dioxide sequestration. At the conference, I hope to explore how international policies and grassroots initiatives align with my work and discover opportunities to integrate my research into large-scale carbon reduction strategies. Additionally, I look forward to meaningful conversations with people from around the world about climate action.

2) Why is a conference like this vital to addressing the climate crisis?
Events like this are critical because they bring together countries worldwide to address climate change on a global stage. For students, it provides insight into how climate negotiations influence research and the financial strategies used to tackle this crisis.

3) What do you hope to gain from COP29 personally and professionally?
Personally, I want to better understand the intersection of climate policy, research, and funding, identifying gaps and strategies to bridge them. Professionally, I’m eager to learn about scalable climate solutions and connect with experts and leaders whose perspectives could inspire future collaborations.

4) As a PhD student, what are the biggest challenges in addressing the climate crisis?
A significant challenge is the lack of advanced technology to keep pace with the frequency of data collection needed to evaluate climate mitigation strategies effectively. In soil research, for example, the time and resource-intensive nature of on-site data collection limits the scale and frequency of measurements. Addressing this issue requires accessible funding for cutting-edge technologies and training future scientists. Moreover, fostering stronger connections with policymakers is crucial to translating scientific findings into actionable policies.

5) What advice do you have for students passionate about climate solutions?
Stay informed and remain optimistic despite daunting headlines about climate change. Find your passion within the field—whether it’s renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or ocean science—to guide your efforts. Connect with local organizations, community groups, or school clubs aligned with your interests, and seek opportunities to deepen your knowledge through classes or seminars.

Thank you, Vanessa!

Logitech is proud to support young researchers in having a voice in critical climate discussions. Addressing climate change requires collective action, from individuals to corporations, to safeguard our planet’s future.