Almost two months into the One Ocean Expedition, we’ve tested new research equipment, united voyage crew members from 30 nations, and visited Lerwick, Tromsø, Reykjavik – with a brief stop in Mahón along the way. This afternoon, June 3, Statsraad Lehmkuhl arrives in Nice, where a packed program awaits during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).
Before departing Bergen on April 11, there was great anticipation surrounding the new research equipment – would it work as intended?
During last year’s extensive yard stay, not only the hull and rigging were upgraded. In collaboration with partners such as Kongsberg Discovery, the Institute of Marine Research, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, NORCE, and Aanderaa/Xylem – and with strong support from our partners and friends – the now 111-year-old Statsraad Lehmkuhl was transformed into a state-of-the-art research vessel with world-leading technology.
The research component has been particularly important to the European Space Agency, the Nansen Center, and France’s Ocean DataLab, who chartered the Tromsø–Reykjavik–Nice leg. They brought along 70 students and researchers from all over the world to study the connection between the ocean and satellite observations.
– It means a lot to us that our clients are satisfied – it’s both motivating and crucial for the journey ahead, says Vatle.
👉 Video (Instagram): How ESA compares satellite data with real ocean experience
Knowledge On Board
The new research gear also brought a steep learning curve for the ship’s own crew.
– They’ve now become experts in handling the equipment. It’s been a challenging start, but we’ve gained a wealth of experience that we’ll carry forward – and I’m very grateful for that, says Vatle.
He also highlights the contribution of the two newly hired science coordinators, Lucie Cassarino and Natacha Fabregas, who have raised the level of research on board. They are responsible for data collection, sensor operations, and science communication – both to the crew and to visitors in port.
A Global Community at Sea
– While science is important, the people are the greatest resource during the One Ocean Expedition, says Vatle.
– I’m moved and inspired by watching young people from 30 different nations - from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and even Russia – come together and form bonds on board.
– We sail under the Norwegian flag, but the expedition’s mission is global. It’s important that youth from the Global South also get a stronger voice in the effort for the ocean. As we learn about the ocean and discuss the challenges together, we also build understanding for each other’s perspectives.
According to Vatle, one of the most valuable outcomes is the intercultural exchange between students, scientists, and everyday people sailing together. Everyone in the voyage crew takes an active part in sailing and operating the ship – sleeping side by side in hammocks and going on two four-hour sea watches each day.
– Off course, the scientific research conducted on board is absolutely essential. But it’s the friendships, the unique shared experiences, and the international network you take with you that truly make a difference.
One Ocean Expedition at UNOC
Statsraad Lehmkuhl arrives in Nice on June 3, continuing its journey as a floating ambassador for the UN Decade of Ocean Science. The ship will be docked in a central location, acting as a visual centerpiece and gathering place throughout the UNOC conference.
Over ten days in Nice, Lehmkuhl will host everyone from royalty and ministers to scientists, students, and business leaders – all united by one vision: to make a difference for the ocean.
The schedule in Nice is packed, with conferences, receptions, and workshops hosted by the expedition’s partners – including the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kongsberg, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Innovaciones Alumbra, Catapult Ocean, Builders Vision, and IOC UNESCO.
Diplomatic Voyage to Monaco with HRH Crown Prince Haakon
On June 8, the day before UNOC officially begins, the ship will sail on a round-trip voyage to Monaco – just a two-hour voyage from Nice. With several UNESCO ambassadors on board, the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research will host an exclusive event, using the journey to support Norway’s candidacy for the UNESCO Executive Board.
– What’s especially gratifying is that the Ministry has chosen our expedition as the theme to showcase Norway. The One Ocean Expedition will take center stage, with support from our goodwill ambassador, HRH Crown Prince Haakon, who will also attend, says Vatle.
Ocean Decade 2030
The City of Bergen will also make use of the ship during the week.
– The timing couldn’t be better, as the city council recently voted unanimously to apply to host the Ocean Decade Conference in 2030. This marks the beginning of an important effort to position Bergen as a host city – and here, Statsraad Lehmkuhl can play a key role moving forward, says Vatle.
Ambassador for Coastal Cities
The expedition will also take part in several pre-conferences, including the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Summit, where Vatle will give a talk. During the summit, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will be appointed official ambassador for a new international coalition of coastal nations – the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition. The aim is to strengthen collaboration between coastal cities and regions in responding to sea-level rise and climate change.
Minecraft and Young Ocean Heroes
One of the highlights of UNOC will be the launch of Minecraft: Education – Ocean Heroes Edition, developed to engage children and youth in ocean issues.
– The fact that the launch is happening on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl, with local schoolchildren present, is just fantastic. This is exactly what we want with the expedition – to make ocean knowledge accessible and engage the next generation in an understandable and inspiring way, says Vatle.
Vatle is pleased that Statsraad Lehmkuhl has become such an attractive and unifying arena for both partners and external actors:
– Being present at UNOC is a dream scenario for us, and perfectly aligned with the goals of the One Ocean Expedition. With all the activities on board, the ship becomes a hub for international engagement and collaboration among people who truly want to make a difference for the ocean.
Into the Northwest Passage
On June 13, the ship will leave the Mediterranean and sail west across the Atlantic toward the Azores and then to Nuuk, where the historic Northwest Passage voyage begins in August.
– We’ve been clear that this is the most demanding part of the expedition. If it turns out to be an “ice year,” we’re in for a challenge. Safety always comes first, so the ice is the big unknown, says Vatle.
Still, he remains optimistic:
– We believe and hope that this part of the expedition will also go as planned. We’ve prepared as well as possible, and the ship is certified to sail in polar waters.
Partnerships Make It Possible
Vatle emphasizes that the expedition is a collective effort:
– I truly believe that our partners are helping create real change for the ocean – and I hope they feel proud of that. They’re also making a difference for the young people sailing with us. Many of them will become future ocean scientists and decision-makers. The experiences and networks built on board can have real ripple effects – for the ocean and for the climate.
– We, as a foundation, have the ship – but it’s our partners who give the expedition its content and power. Without partners, there would be no One Ocean Expedition, he says.
