The ministry combined the administration of the navy, the colonies like New France and seaborne trade helping for example the French East India Company.

A widely held view at the time was that for states to be powerful, wealthy and prestigious, colonies in the New World need to be maintained for their consequent trade.

The maintenance of colonies through naval operations not only served to improve the stature of the state, but was also helpful in destroying their European rivals in North America.

At this time, the ministry of marine became an official government department with a permanent staff, holding offices at Versailles.

[3] This union of government and science led to endeavors with the objective of bolstering the nation's intellectual equity along with obtaining goods.

[3] The Ministry of Navy was used by the government and the crown to enact science during this time, especially in regards to colonies around the world, and especially in the West Indies.

[5] France was dependent on the Ministry of Navy in helping to relay reliable information as to the locations of the colonies that were established.

[6] Due to the efforts of Chasseloup-Laubat, a scientist working for France, the Ministry of Navy was given access to iron covered and steam powered naval vessels.