Elodea Recommissioned for SENSE Research on Swiss Lakes
Departure for the first test on Lake Geneva near Bouveret © 2025 EPFL
After years of inactivity, Elodea has returned to service. On December 17, EPFL's SENSE team in the Valais, successfully completed the first test drive of the research vessel on Lake Geneva near Bouveret, marking the beginning of a new chapter for aquatic research at the school.
Elodea, owned by EPFL's ENAC Faculty, had been out of commission for several years. Under the supervision of Sébastien Lavanchy, a Lausanne-based shipyard brought the vessel back to operational standards. The renovation project was led by Sébastien Lavanchy and Simon Escalle, with essential support from ENAC's Technical Platform (PLTE).
Now stationed at ALPOLE, the vessel provides the SENSE team with a dedicated research platform, offering unprecedented flexibility for organizing field campaigns to measure greenhouse gases across Swiss lakes.
A Versatile Platform for Lake Research
Elodea is currently being equipped with advanced research infrastructure, including:
- A winch with electromechanical cable enabling the deployment of SubOcean optical instruments into the water
- A portique (A-frame) and triangular support frame designed to facilitate the safe lowering and raising of scientific instruments
Successful First Tests on Lake Geneva
The December test mission focused on validating the vessel's core systems. The team—Sébastien Lavanchy, Simon Escalle, and Hugo Cruz—towed the boat to the lake, carried out on-site preparations, and installed the structural elements required for future instrument deployment.
During this first outing, Elodea operated without the SubOcean instruments, which are currently undergoing calibration in the laboratory. The tests validated the boat's performance, maneuverability, and the correct functioning of the mechanical systems, including the winch and A-frame.
Ready for the Next Scientific Phase
Following these successful trials, Elodea will be returned to Sion for final technical adjustments. The vessel is expected to be fully operational and ready for scientific campaigns by March 2026.
This refurbishment significantly strengthens EPFL's capacity for aquatic environmental research, enabling more flexible and robust monitoring of greenhouse gas dynamics in Swiss lakes.
Acknowledgments: The SENSE team extends special thanks to ENAC's Technical Platform (PLTE) for their invaluable support throughout this renovation project.
