A seven-metre uncrewed vessel operated by the US company Saildrone has commenced a circumnavigation of Antarctica to gather scientific data on carbon dioxide levels in the ocean and atmosphere. The craft, which resembles a large kayak and is powered by westerly winds and solar energy, is expected to complete its journey in approximately seven to nine months after departing from Hobart.
The autonomous vehicle is designed to withstand extreme conditions including massive waves, freezing temperatures, powerful winds and sea ice encountered in Antarctic waters. Equipped with a heavy keel, rudder and fixed solar sail, the vessel will be remotely monitored via satellite by Saildrone personnel who can adjust its course if necessary. Throughout its journey, the craft will measure wind speed, atmospheric pressure, solar radiation, ocean temperature, salinity, chlorophyll levels and carbon dioxide concentrations in both air and water.
Researchers at CSIRO, including Dr Elizabeth Shadwick, note that understanding ocean carbon absorption is critical for climate science. The Southern Ocean plays a significant role in absorbing approximately one-third of human-caused emissions annually. Dr Pep Canadell from CSIRO noted that for every tonne of carbon dioxide released through fossil fuel combustion, roughly 500 kilograms are removed by ocean and forest sinks. However, factors such as warming waters, changing wind patterns, melting ice and ocean acidification could alter the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon in the future.
This vessel represents the first of a planned fleet of four autonomous craft, with additional deployments scheduled at three-monthly intervals across the Southern, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, particularly during winter months. The autonomous approach allows data collection over greater distances and time periods than traditional crewed research vessels, and avoids fuel consumption. Data will be accessible to scientists in near real-time through a mission portal, with full quality assurance checks conducted before findings are released for broader research use.
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