This summer, Statsraad Lehmkuhl surpassed 100,000 followers on social media. Among those bringing life on board to the world is content producer André Marton Pedersen.
André is a photographer, video producer and storyteller with many years of experience from TV, video and social media. In everyday life, he works as Head of Communications at Bergen Trekking Association, but on selected voyages he is a content producer for Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The first time he joined the ship was during its very first circumnavigation.
How was it to step on board for the very first time?
– That was in 2022, when I was about to sail from Palau to Yokohama. I had never been on board before, and it was nerve-racking. I was incredibly excited, but also had a thousand questions: What would everyday life be like? What about the crew? Would I get seasick? I had never worked as a content producer at sea before. Luckily, it turned out to be both fun and educational.
Video: While waiting to board in Palau, André spent his time on a private beach cleanup:
Do you get seasick?
– Seldom, but I can feel it when I sit and edit during rough weather. Then I take a break, step outside and do something else. I’ve also learned not to eat too much – then I get queasy more easily. A little balance in sleep and food helps a lot.
What’s the most enjoyable part of documenting life on board?
– Talking with all the different trainees who come along. They are adventurous, curious, and incredibly diverse people. I get to know the crew, climb the rigging – which I was terrified of at first – and share experiences that really bind people together.
– That’s perhaps the best thing about Lehmkuhl: the friendships that last long after you’ve gone ashore.
You mentioned the rigging – how was it to dare climb up there the first time?
– In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I would ever manage to go all the way to the top. It took several weeks before I dared go higher than the first platform. But eventually fear turned into mastery, and now I seize every opportunity to "go aloft". It feels amazing to stand up there, overlooking the whole ship and the ocean around!
Video: André pushing his limits at the very top of the rig!
What is the most challenging part of being a content producer?
– Finding the good stories. When you come on board, you face a blank page. You have to spend time getting to know people, building trust, and understanding what experiences they carry with them. It’s both demanding and incredibly rewarding.
Can you mention some stories that made a lasting impression?
– Yes! I made a film about Gabriel from Fiji, who shared his deep connection to the ocean and the challenges of climate change. He has even visited me at home in Lysefjorden, and we’ve become good friends.
Another story I’ll never forget is Marlie, who at the age of 72 climbed the rig again for the first time in 50 years. He proved that adventure never ends if you dare to grasp it. Moments like that are pure gold.
👉 Read the story about Marlie and his friends who sailed on Lehmkuhl in 1972
Can you describe a typical day on board?
– I start with breakfast before setting up at my spot on the deck office. From there, I’m available to both crew and trainees, but I try to be out on deck as much as possible – always ready with a camera, full batteries and empty memory cards.
– Unexpected things happen all the time: a whale can appear, or something special can unfold among the crew. In the evening I edit and deliver photos and videos for the captain’s report and social media.
Magical moments as whales swim close to the ship. Video: André M Pedersen
How do you live on board?
– Usually I stay in the shared cabin together with the volunteer crew, both men and women. The permanent crew have their own cabins, but for us volunteers and content producers, it’s the shared cabin that counts.
How is it to be away from your family when you have a wife and five children at home?
– Of course, it’s demanding to be away for several weeks, especially for those at home. I miss my family, but at the same time this work gives so much back to me.
- When I return, I bring new perspectives and many good stories. I also hope my children see that the world is bigger than little Lysefjorden – and that adventure is always out there for those who dare.
Video: The adventure is out there! Watch André’s recap of his very first voyage with Lehmkuhl.
What have you learned about yourself through your experiences on board?
– I’ve discovered that I’m tougher than I thought. Entering the rigging was one thing, but just as important was meeting so many new people and sharing stories. It requires opening up and giving a bit of yourself. I’ve learned that I can handle more than I expected, and that gives an enormous sense of confidence and joy.
Have you found a favorite ocean after sailing several times as a content producer?
– Yes, I think maybe the Philippine Sea is my favorite. When we sailed from Tokyo down towards the Philippines, it was simply magical. Clear water with 30–40 meters visibility, swimming stops by the Okinawa islands, huge swells lifting the entire ship – it was an experience I’ll never forget.
But the ocean can also be dramatic. Watch André’s video when typhoon Hinnamnor came too close. At four in the morning it was “all hands on deck” to take in the sails and change course.
What do you hope people get out of your photos and videos?
– I hope they see that the stories are about more than just the situation being filmed. They are about values: adventure, community, respect for nature, and the idea that we all have more in us than we think. For me, it is also important to convey the significance of the ocean and the climate changes we are facing – but in a way that inspires hope and engagement.
What qualities should a content producer on Lehmkuhl have?
– First and foremost, curiosity and the ability to be social. You have to enjoy talking to people, but also be able to handle long days, tough weather, and set healthy boundaries for yourself. Technical skills are essential – camera, photography, video, preferably also drone. And of course, you have to enjoy being outdoors, in all kinds of weather.
André recently signed off in Bermuda, handing over the baton to the next content producer, Malin Kvamme.
👉 Follow André and the other content producers on Facebook and Instagram to experience life on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl!
Would you like to be a content producer for Statsraad Lehmkuhl?
During the One Ocean Expedition, there is a content producer on board for every leg. They work between 6 and 12 weeks at a time, following the ship closely – both in everyday life and during major highlights. A content producer also often joins in regular sailing seasons; Shetland voyages, Tall Ships Races, etc. Interested in applying? Send an e-mail to lehmkuhl@lehmkuhl.no.
Not like on land: The job as a content producer comes with many – and often unexpected – challenges. Video: Lucie Carlassino
Top photo: Malin Kvamme