The One Ocean Expedition 2021–2023 marked a historic milestone for Statsraad Lehmkuhl – the ship’s very first circumnavigation. Over the course of 20 months, the vessel sailed 60,000 nautical miles and visited 37 ports in 19 countries.
A Proven Platform for Change
The first expedition demonstrated that Statsraad Lehmkuhl is a unique platform for bringing together and inspiring students, researchers, leaders and ordinary people in the effort for a more sustainable ocean.
A total of participants from 62 different nations took part in the various legs of the voyage.
Engaging People in Every Port
In each port, events such as receptions, debates, lectures, workshops and open ship for the public were held, all with a focus on the ocean and sustainability.
Broad and Active Partnerships
More than 40 committed partners from research, education, public administration, and the private sector were involved. Researchers from over ten countries and more than twenty research institutions actively participated in the expedition.
Collecting an Ocean of Data
Before departure, the ship was equipped with advanced scientific instruments that collected more than 10 terabytes of ocean data, much of it through automated sensors during the 20-month voyage. In addition, around 1,200 manual water samples were taken to analyze, among other things, microplastics and environmental DNA (eDNA). The ship made 85 stops to collect plankton samples and measure parameters such as temperature and salinity. Several oceanographic buoys were also deployed to monitor wave patterns and ocean currents.
Open Access and Scientific Contributions
All data collected is openly available for scientific purposes. So far, the expedition has contributed to numerous scientific articles, PhD dissertations, master’s theses, and reports, significantly enhancing knowledge about the ocean.
Building on Success
The next One Ocean Expedition builds on the success and experience of the first – with an even broader global collaboration, new ports of call, and an even stronger commitment to ocean science, education, and shared action for the future of our ocean.
