The ocean is under pressure. Climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and acidification are all affecting marine ecosystems – many in ways we still don’t fully understand. At the same time, the ocean offers solutions: food, energy, carbon storage, and critical ecosystem services for a sustainable future.
To protect the ocean, we need to know how it works – and how it's changing.
That’s why Statsraad Lehmkuhl is equipped with modern scientific tools. Sailing across oceans powered mainly by wind, the ship collects valuable environmental data while inspiring a new generation of ocean advocates.
Working with partners like the Institute of Marine Research and Kongsberg Discovery, we monitor the ocean’s temperature, salinity, microplastics, marine life, and more. This makes Statsraad Lehmkuhl a unique platform for science, education and global cooperation.
A different kind of research vessel - tradition meets innovation
Statsraad Lehmkuhl is, first and foremost, a sail training ship. For more than a century, she has taught seamanship and teamwork at sea – powered by wind and rooted in maritime tradition.
But during the One Ocean Expedition, she also serves as a platform for modern ocean research. What makes her truly unique is the combination of traditional sailing and advanced scientific equipment. While she remains a sail training ship, she is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments that continuously collect environmental data.
Silent, sustainable and far-reaching
Unlike conventional research vessels, Statsraad Lehmkuhl is powered primarily by wind. This enables quiet, low-emission sailing, ideal for collecting accurate data in areas where engine noise and pollution might interfere with marine life or sensitive measurements.
And unlike most conventional research vessels, she sails for much longer periods and across greater distances. During the 2025–2026 One Ocean Expedition, she will traverse multiple climate zones and ocean regions – from Norway to the Arctic, through the Northwest Passage, along the west coast of North America and into the Caribbean, before returning to Europe via the Atlantic.
This extended range and duration allow the ship to generate long, uninterrupted data series. These datasets offer researchers valuable insights into seasonal variations, large-scale patterns and the ocean's role in the global climate system – information that short-term expeditions often cannot provide.
Data in motion
All data from the ship’s instruments is collected and transmitted through the Blue Insight platform. This allows researchers, students and meteorological institutes to access real-time measurements from anywhere in the world, enhancing both the scientific impact and public engagement of the expedition.
A ship that draws attention
As one of the world’s largest and best-maintained tall ships, Statsraad Lehmkuhl attracts attention in every port. This visibility, combined with her scientific mission, makes her not only a research vessel but a global ambassador for the ocean. She connects science with storytelling, technology with tradition, and the public with the knowledge needed to protect the sea.
Ocean science questions we explore
The ocean is vast, dynamic, and still full of mysteries. The One Ocean Expedition contributes to a better understanding of how the ocean works – and how it is changing. The research on board focuses on key questions that are central to both science and society:
What lives beneath the surface?
We study life in the sea – from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals. By observing biodiversity and biological activity, we gain insight into how marine ecosystems function and respond to change.
How does the ocean move and mix?
We collect data on ocean currents, water layers and mixing processes to understand the physical structure of the ocean. This is essential for predicting how heat, nutrients and carbon are transported across the planet.
How is the ocean changing over time?
We measure changes in temperature, salinity, oxygen and acidity – all of which are affected by climate change and human activity. Long-term, high-quality data is crucial to detect trends and inform ocean management.
What drives productivity in the ocean?
Phytoplankton form the basis of marine food webs. By monitoring chlorophyll and nutrient levels, we can explore how biological productivity varies by region and season, and how it might change in the future.
Can ship-based data improve ocean forecasts?
By comparing our in-situ measurements with satellite data, we help refine ocean and weather models. This contributes to better forecasting of currents, temperature changes and extreme weather events.
How can we better protect the ocean?
By combining science with outreach, we aim to close the gap between research and the public. Sharing data, methods and insights is key to building awareness, understanding, and action for a healthy ocean.
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Explore the instruments and sensors we use →
Scientific research partners
Norwegian Institute of Marine Research
NORCE
Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center
Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research
Norwegian Meteorological Institute
European Space Agency
One Ocean Data Lab
