Marion Dufresne

(Information taken from the University of Brest web site)

The Marion Dufresne is a large, versatile and multi-purpose vessel with two main functions: (1) performing oceanographic research; (2) resupplying the French austral islands of Crozet, Kerguelen, Amsterdam and Saint-Paul. At the same time, it is a passenger liner (for the transport of personnel and visitors to the French austral islands' research stations), a cargo vessel (for the transport of containers and heavy cargo to the stations), a fuel tanker, a helicopter carrier (to provide a base for passengers and light cargo flights), and a multidisplinary scientific vessel. Its special resupply capabilities make the Marion Dufresne one of the world's largest scientific vessels, with exceptional seaworthiness allowing for work in all weather conditions, and the best research vessel in the world for deep-sea coring.

Research activities
Research expeditions undertaken by the Marion Dufresne cover all aspects of oceanography: (1) marine geosciences (geology, geophysics, sedimentology, paleoclimatology); (2) biological oceanography (biology, biogeochemistry); (3) physical oceanography (physicochemistry, water mass properties and general circulation).
It is also famous for its capability of taking some of the longest [of continuous length] cores ever taken, having reached a record of 66m recovered from the deep-sea floor.
The Marion Dufresne, and other French vessels have been used for collaborative research programs between Australian and French scientists and government institutions.

(Clinking on each image will usually open a larger version of it in a new browser window)

You can also download a copy of the Marion Dufresne brochure in PDF format HERE.
A map of the current expedition can be seen HERE