FOREL, Polar research platform

FOREL is in Greenland! Follow the scientific expedition live on our LIVE page and on our social media channels until mid-September.

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The FOREL 2026 Expedition

News

Équipage 13.10.2026

FOREL at the Festival des Aventuriers de la Mer: Three Days of Encounters and Discoveries

From 9 to 11 October, FOREL took part in the Festival des Aventuriers de la Mer in Lorient for three days of encounters, visits and shared experiences centred on the sea and sailing. During the festival, the vessel welcomed a wide range of visitors: school groups on Friday, followed by members of the public from all walks of life on Saturday and Sunday.

Navigation 25.09.2026

FOREL Returns to Lorient After 4 Months of Expedition

Navigation 15.09.2026

FOREL 2027: Call for Scientific Proposals in the Canadian Arctic (Deadline: October 15)

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A multidisciplinary research sailing vessel dedicated to coastal research in polar and subpolar regions.

The Forel Heritage Association implements several strategic objectives to address the current climate challenges in polar regions.

FOREL is a 28-meter expedition vessel, built in aluminum, specifically designed to navigate in polar environments.

It is equipped with three specialized laboratories: wet, dry, and clean, enabling cutting-edge research in extreme conditions.

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The Forel Heritage Association

Missions

Coastal Polar Science

Coastal polar science is essential for understanding and anticipating the changes affecting our ecosystems, climate, and natural resources. By studying the complex interactions between the land, sea, and atmosphere in coastal polar regions, scientists provide crucial information to preserve these fragile environments, which are vital for global climate balance.

Training Young Scientists and Sailors 

Training young scientists and sailors is a strategic investment for the future of polar research and beyond. These young talents are not only the future of polar research, but they are also key actors in building a more sustainable and resilient world in the face of global environmental challenges.

Awareness 

The Forel Heritage Association aims to popularize the scientific programs conducted aboard FOREL, with a particular focus on raising public awareness about climate change issues. Through its educational mission, it seeks to create bridges between scientists, the public, and indigenous communities in polar regions, who are directly affected by these upheavals.