The current objective of the IES is to replace its obsolete (i.e., analogue) CE-318 photometers utilised at the JRC Aeronet-OC sites (most of which are more than 15–20 years old) with the new equivalent modern products allowing enhanced measurement capabilities in terms of the number of spectral channels, centre wavelengths, data storage, data transmission, noise-to-signal ratio.

The previous objective is re-enforced by the need to satisfy spectral requirements for the operational validation of Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite ocean colour products.

This requires the procurement of up to 12 new photometers (CE-318-T models) during the next 3 years in view of ensuring full operation of the JRC Aeronet-OC sites.

See II.1.4.