Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits St. John's, Canada, August 20 2025.

OOE 2025 - 2026

St. John's, Canada

The ice that prevented Statsraad Lehmkuhl from sailing through the Northwest Passage was not the result of a cold climate, but of global warming.

Stopped by global warming

The students aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl have mixed feelings about the ship having to turn back and not being able to sail through the Northwest Passage.

– We have seen each other at our worst – seasick, tired, and hungry

August 5, Statsraad Lehmkuhl departed from Nuuk, Greenland, bound for one of the most remote and demanding sea routes in the world - the Northwest Passage. Sadly, ice conditions forced the ship to turn back just four days later. This is how the 111-year-old tall ship prepared for polar waters.

How Statsraad Lehmkuhl prepared for the Northwest Passage

Statsraad Lehmkuhl has decided not to carry out the planned voyage through the Northwest Passage due to ice conditions. The ship is currently in Baffin Bay, near Greenland, and was originally heading towards the passage.

Statsraad Lehmkuhl will not sail through the Northwest Passage

Until 1914, ships had to sail around Africa or South America to travel from Europe to Asia. This is the story of a third route - the one through the Arctic Ocean.

The Northwest Passage – the shortest route to the Pacific

Nuuk, Greenland: After four months at sea, Statsraad Lehmkuhl has arrived in Nuuk as part of the One Ocean Expedition 2025–2026. On August 5, the ship will embark on the most challenging leg in its more than 100-year history – a historic education and research voyage through the Northwest Passage, made possible by climate change and melting ice. 

Ready to set sail towards the Northwest Passage

On their way to Greenland, 36 students from 16 countries are learning about climate and the ocean aboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Their three-week voyage combines sailing, fieldwork, and lectures -and creates a rare space for cross-disciplinary science and cultural exchange.

A sailing course in climate and ocean science

It’s no wonder Emmanuel Boss is smiling, he is only working when the sun is shining. Yes, it’s absolutely true, and there’s a perfectly logical explanation for it.

Doing research only when the sun shines

On the way from the Azores to Greenland, Statsraad Lehmkuhl crosses the Gulf Stream. The current starts in the Gulf of Mexico and brings heath to northern Europe.

Sailing into Europe’s central heating system

The voyage to Greenland began on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, which actually is a  mountain peak of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Sailing along the longest mountain range on earth

Statsraad Lehmkuhl is heading north toward Greenland. On board is a group of students led by Kerim Nisancioglu, who in many ways feels he is “on his way home.”

40 students on their way to the Arctic

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Nuuk, Greenland, July 29 – August 5, 2025.

Nuuk, Greenland

After the last encounter with whales, nobody really felt like swimming anymore.

Whales - living and dead

The researchers on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl have a wide variety of tools. The "Bongo-net" is a piece of scientific gear that is used in sampling tiny organisms living in the upper layers of the ocean.

Sampling life in the upper ocean

Long, narrow, and equipped with fins like the fish it’s named after, the Manta Trawl is used to reveal how much microplastic is floating in the sea.

Trawling for plastics

While the UN Ocean Conference took place in Nice this June, Statsraad Lehmkuhl received a special visit from the rector of The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, and two students who, in August, will board the ship for its voyage through the Northwest Passage.

Looking forward to sailing the Northwest Passage

Statsraad Lehmkuhl is moored in the Nice harbor as a striking presence and a meeting point throughout the UN Ocean Conference.

Statsraad Lehmkul and the UN Ocean Conference 2025

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Ponta Delgada, the Azores, July 2–8, 2025.

Ponta Delgada, the Azores

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).

Partner Update: Two Months at Sea – Ready for the UN Ocean Conference

A swallow is one of the traditional sailor tattoos. Not a gull or cormorant - but a bird living on dry land. Why?

What is it with sailors and swallows?

The voyage from Reykjavik and into the Mediterranean was anything but ordinary. After the stormy start, Statsraad Lehmkuhl sailed right into a marine heatwave. 

Sailed through a marine heatwave

The Mediterranean Sea holds stories of shifting continents, an epic flood, and a unique marine life.

Into the Mediterranean 

Captain Marcus Seidl is back home after sailing from Bergen to Reykjavik, in sub-zero temperatures and with snow on deck.

– Nice to get a taste of the kind of weather we might encounter in the Northwest Passage

– We had preferred to be under sail, and almost felt the urge to excuse ourselves a little ...

Rendezvous at sea

Satellites discovered the vortex 50 years ago, but it took a tall-ship to reveal its secrets.

Paused over a giant vortex

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Nice, France, June 3–14, 2025.

Nice, France

Ship doctor Anders Einum had no sailing experience when he boarded Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Tromsø.

– I don't even know if I'll get seasick, he said.

– It just sounded like a cool adventure

On the second leg of the One Ocean Expedition, experts from ESA, NASA, OceanData Lab, and the Nansen Center are on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The proud sailing ship is a floating research vessel.

ESA and NASA board the 111-year-old ship to teach ocean science

On board Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a range of scientific instruments gather data continuously or during research stops. Together, they give us a clearer picture of ocean conditions, processes and life.       

Research instruments on board

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Reykjavik, Iceland, May 5–8, 2025

Reykjavik, Island

Statsraad Lehmkuhl slowed to a full stop, and a sleek instrument was lowered into the sea. The first research stop was underway.

– Everyone holds their breath

In 1972 they were students and sailors on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Now, they are older, reflective, and reunited, back on board the very same ship that carried them through storms and into adulthood.

Back on deck, 52 years later

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Tromsø April 20–22, 2025

Tromsø, Norway

André Marton Pedersen is Content producer aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl for the first leg of the One Ocean Expedition. A walk along one of the beaches in Lerwick, Shetland, inspired him to buy garbage bags instead of souvenirs.

– I feel like the beach is a little bit mine

Two French scientists are having the time of their life, beeing Science coordinators on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

Sailing, and doing science - irresistible!

During the first One Ocean Expedition, Statsraad Lehmkuhl was hit head-on by the pandemic. This time, it’s geopolitics that makes the rigging whistle.

A geopolitical storm

Lerwick was the first port visited by Statsraad Lehmkuhl during the One Ocean Expedition, April 13–14, 2025.

OOE 2021 - 2023

Lerwick, Shetland

On April 11 2025, Statsraad Lehmkuhl set out on a new expedition. Not around the globe this time, but no less spectacular.

A new voyage for the future

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. 

The First Circumnavigation: One Ocean Expedition 2021–2023

Built in 1914, Statsraad Lehmkuhl has sailed through two world wars, trained thousands of sailors, and been saved from extinction more than once. This is the story of how a legendary tall ship became a modern platform for sail training, ocean research, and global education.

Sailing Through History: The Journey of Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Do you dream of an active holiday filled with spectacular nature experiences, where you cross open seas, climb the rigging, and take the helm on the world's most beautiful sailing ship? Now is your chance! Statsraad Lehmkuhl invites you to be part of the One Ocean Expedition 2025–2026 – a unique voyage where everyone can participate, regardless of experience. The expedition spans one year and three continents, giving you the opportunity to explore everything from Arctic waters to tropical coastlines. Where will you join? 

Join the One Ocean Expedition – Unique Voyages to Exciting Destinations!

The UN's new 'Ocean Chief,' Vidar Helgesen, has accepted the role of goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition. 'Statsraad Lahmkuhl is an unbeatable arena for bringing people together and sharing knowledge,' says Helgesen, who leads UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

Vidar Helgesen is the new goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition.

"We cannot save the ocean alone, but we can make a difference," says Haakon Vatle, expedition leader and CEO of the Lehmkuhl Foundation. In April 2025, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will embark on a new One Ocean Expedition, aiming to inspire people to take action for the ocean and help bridge the gap between research and the public 

A Planet in Miniature: Inspiring Action for the Ocean

Vidar Helgesen, recently appointed as leader of the UN’s International Ocean Commission (IOC), has accepted the role of goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition. As a former Minister of Climate and Environment with extensive experience in Norwegian and international politics, Helgesen brings a deep commitment to ocean and sustainability issues to the expedition.


We asked Helgesen what motivated him to accept the role of goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition.

During the first 13 months of the circumnavigation, "Statsraad Lehmkuhl" collected more than 700,000 files of research data. That equals to more than 8.6 terabytes.

Collects an ocean of data from the circumnavigation

Fishing is fun and fresh fish is really good food. But that is not the only reason why we fish from Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

Fishing to find out 

Nothing that can be eaten is thrown away in the galley on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

Yesterday's dinner is today's lunch

The circumnavigation One Ocean Expedition 2021-2023 has set a new course for Statsraad Lehmkuhl. We are well underway with plans for a new, grand expedition in 2025-2026. 

Heading for new expeditions 

It has been a busy week busy for Statsraad Lehmkuhl´s crew since returning to Bergen. The ship has been a venue for multiple events.   

A busy Ocean Week for Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Statsraad Lehmkuhl arrived in Bergen, Norway April 15  2023.

Finally back in Bergen

No it is not small islands, but piles of seaweed.

Sailing through the Sargasso Sea

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Puerto Rico March 12-16 2023

Puerto Rico

Statsraad Lehmkuhl has been named the world's fastest tall ship in 2022. This is the ninth time Lehmkuhl wins The Boston Tea Pot Trophy.

The fastest in the world - again! 

During the One Ocean Expedition, Statsraad Lehmkuhl has so far crossed the Atlantic Ocean three times. Now, the ship is well into crossing number four.

Crossing the Atlantic, again

No, the island is not in the sailing plan, but we can't miss the opportunity.

Just have to visit St. Helena

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Natal, Brazil, February 17-20 2023

Natal, Brazil

The Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet in only one place. That meeting is not without drama.

Where two oceans collide

When Statsraad Lehmkuhl left Maputo on January 3rd, the ship only had fresh water for two days of normal consumption. Timberman Joachim Juel Vædele explains what happened.

Not enough water in the tanks

A few days into the new year Statsraad Lehmkuhl sets sail and heads towards one of the world's strongest ocean currents.

A ship full of students

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Cape Town, South Africa, January 13-20 2023

Cape Town, South-Africa

South African school children are looking forward to Statsraad Lehmkuhl coming to Cape Town in January. They have been working all autumn on a performance that will be shown on board.

A song for One Ocean Expedition

Finally Odd Jarle Flatebø was going on board a proper sailing ship again. 
- I was very happy when I got the phone call, he laughs . 

Meet the new captain of Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Maputo December 17 2022 - January 3 2023

Maputo, Mozambique

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk was supposed to organize activities on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl when the ship visited New York City last December. Covid put an end to that, but the aquarium director Jason Patlis was hooked.

– I learned that I could join the One Ocean Expedition as a trainee.





– The Lehmkuhl had gotten into my blood

Kamilla Steenvinkel is coxswain and sustainability officer on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl. - I realize that sustainability is about much more than the climate and environment.

Kamilla makes sure nothing goes to waste

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Mauritius December 2 - 5 2022 

Mauritius

If we can avoid it, we don't go down into the engine room, says 1st machinist Annika Franks.

45 ℃ is hot

This article is about Norwegian idioms taken from life on board tall ships, and is only available in Norwegian.

På bare stumpene

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Jakarta November 6-9 2022

Jakarta, Indonesia

The system for keeping track of who is on board the Statsraad Lehmkuhl and who is ashore is as ancient as it is ingenious.

Walkway guard

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Singapore October 29 - November 1 2022

Singapore

On the leg between Naha and Ishigaki in Japan, Norwegian leaders from business and public administration manned Statsraad Lehmkuhl. What did they learn along the way?

What do you bring back home?

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Manila October 12-15 2022

Manila, Philippines

- What is One Ocean Expedition really about, asks André Marton Pedersen. You'll find his answer in the video he made.

- We must not destroy this

On Okinawa, Statsraaad Lehmkuhl changed the crew. One of those walking up the gangway was Øyvind Paasche, working at the research institute NORCE. - Adapting to climate change will be more demanding than most people can imagine, he says.

- We are off the scale

Pilot whales are know to be both curious and playful. Friday a small pod swam up to Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

Curious whales paying a visit

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Ishigaki October 1-7 2022

Ishigaki, Japan

When you're a ship carpenter on a tall ship, it's not enough to be handy. You must also be an expert in sustainability and quite an inventor.

Inventor and environmentalist

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Naha September 24-28 2022

Naha, Okinawa

A strange creature full of spikes appeared in the trawl collecting microplastics, a puffer fish.

A poisonous delicacy

You don't sail the tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl into Yokohama without it getting attention. Both politicians, the press and ordinary Japanese came aboard, and went ashore again with new knowledge about how important the ocean is to us all.

In Japan for the first time

The sea surface temperature around Japan is increasing rapidly. Satoru Yokoi wants to find out how it affects the weather.

A warmer ocean affects the weather

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Yokohama September 12-15 2022

Yokohama, Japan

They did not see minke whales as the crew first believed, but the much rarer bryde's whales.

A rare whale

When captain Jens Joachim Hiorth contracted corona, Sune Blinkenberg had to take over at short notice. - Lucky for me, he smiles.

A new captain on board

A few days ago, Captain Blinkenberg found out that there is a typhoon heading towards Japan. Now he has come up with a cunning plan.

Plans to hitchhike with the typhoon

The small island state Palau in the Pacific is strongly affected by climate change. Nevertheless, President Surangel Whipps strongly believes that there is hope. The hope is in the young people and a strong cooperation across national borders.    

Hope for Palau 

When I landed in Palau, a powerful poem was stamped in my passport - the Palau Pledge - written by the children here in Palau. I had to sign it to be admitted, which I did with joy and humility.

Into a unique and vulnerable part of the world

“𝐎𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐎𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫.” 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐞𝐦, 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝟐𝟏, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟓.

What we learned from sailing across the Pacific Ocean

On the first of May, Magnus Jansen Sverkeli boarded Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Chile to sail across the Pacific Ocean. Now the journey is over for him and the rest of the students, who have spent the summer pulling ropes, setting sails, cleaning toilets, standing on look-out watch, and at the same time taking a university course. How was the voyage?

- I'm probably not the same person anymore

Camilla Borrevik is showing the students on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl the front line of climate change.

- In the Pacific Ocean climate change is a reality that is here and now

Today, August 20, it is exactly one year since One Ocean Expedition cast off from Arendal. 

One year at sea! 

Marianne Aanerud was ship's doctor on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl in the Pacific, and knows that there is more that threatens the people of the Pacific than climate change and rising sea levels.

French misbehaviour in the Pacific Ocean

Chief engineer Jonas Hollænder Jensen got tired of the pile of empty cardboard boxes, and came up with a smart solution.

An ingenious invention

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Fiji June 26-30 and July 19-21 2022.

Fiji

Pernille Landrø from Gol in Hallingdal, Norway, is one of the students swapping the study hall for the Pacific Ocean this summer. She has written a letter to her local newspaper Hallingdølen about her life on board.

Message in a bottle

A nice tuna on the hook, but all that came on board was a severed head.

A shark stole the dinner

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Palau August 24-27 2022.

Palau

Even the plankton samples the students take are contaminated with microplastics.

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