Composite image of an illustration of the Polar POD expedition vessel in a rough sea. This is a vertical vessel that will float in the Southern Ocean and circumvent Antarctica driven by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in a research expedition that will last three years. It is just over 100 metres tall, with 75 metres below the surface, and weighs over 900 tonnes and is designed to withstand the rough seas. Six wind turbines and solar panels generate electricity for the living quarters, desalination plant and instruments. Polar POD is set to be launched in 2024 and will acquire and share continuous marine and oceanographic data to the international scientific community during its journey.