The One Ocean Expedition is a global initiative with one clear purpose: to create attention and share knowledge about the ocean’s crucial role for a sustainable future in a global perspective.
Over the course of a year, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will visit key ports across the North Atlantic, the Arctic and the Pacific, engaging with local communities and highlighting ocean science and sustainability.
The voyage concludes in the ship’s home port of Bergen, Norway, in April 2026 during One Ocean Week.
A Challenging Route
As a proud ambassador of the UN Decade of Ocean Science, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will visit 27 different ports over three continents.
One of the most exciting aspects is the plan to follow in Roald Amundsen’s footsteps and sail through the legendary and challenging Northwest Passage in the Arctic.
Ocean Research
Statsraad Lehmkuhl is primarily a sail training ship, but during the One Ocean Expedition, she also functions as a research vessel and a floating university.
The 111-year-old ship is equipped with state-of-the-art research equipment that continuously collects data on the health of the ocean. Unlike traditional research vessels, she is primarily powered by wind, resulting in minimal environmental impact.
A floating university
In addition to contributing to ocean research, Statsraad Lehmkuhl also serves as a floating university – a unique learning environment where students, researchers, decision makers and people from all walks of life live, learn and work side by side.
Several legs are chartered by research and higher education institutions, as well as international organis, such as the European Space Agency and UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
On board, participants gain hands-on experience in ocean science, sustainability, and seamanship.
In Port: Conferences, Diplomacy and Public Engagement
During port visits, the ship serves as a venue for scientific conferences and workshops, diplomatic and high-level meetings, educational programs and public outreach events.
Participation and Collaboration
The One Ocean Expedition brings together people from around the world with one shared mission: to highlight the ocean’s vital importance to a sustainable future.
In addition to partners from research, education, business, and public administration, several voyage legs are open to the public through regular ticket sales.
Whether you're a student, a researcher, a policymaker, a professional — or simply curious about life at sea — you’re welcome to come on board!
The people we need for the ocean we want
Statsraad Lehmkuhl proudly sails as an ambassador for the UN Decade of Ocean Science, supporting its vision: The science we need for the ocean we want.
The expedition contributes to important ocean research, but it’s the people on board who make the biggest difference.
Through life at sea - with shared tasks, powerful experiences, and close connections - participants gain a deeper understanding of the ocean’s importance. These shared moments create lasting networks between future ocean leaders, scientists, decision-makers, and passionate individuals.
In a time when climate change can feel overwhelming, especially for young people, One Ocean Expedition offers something just as vital as data: inspiration, hope, fun, and real-world solutions.
Reducing the gap between science and society
Researchers hold valuable knowledge about the ocean, but sharing it in a way that reaches everyone can be challenging. One Ocean Expedition helps bridge this gap by making science more visible, relatable, and engaging — both at sea and in port. The goal is to inspire greater understanding and action for a healthy, sustainable ocean. .
We cannot save the ocean alone
The ocean faces challenges too big for any one country, organization, or person to solve alone. On board Statsraad Lehmkuhl, collaboration is essential — just like it is on a global scale.
Life at sea, where limited resources must be shared, mirrors our shared responsibility for the planet. The expedition shows how teamwork, both on board and around the world, is key to creating real change.
We cannot save the ocean alone - but together, we can make a positive impact.
UN sustainable develpoment goals
The One Ocean Expedition is a recognized part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. We aim to contribute in particular to the following SDGs: 14 - Life below water, 13 - Climate action, 4 - Quality Education, 17 - Partnership for the goals.
Follow us online
The Lehmkuhl Foundation welcomes you on board as a “digital passenger” on this epic journey. Follow the adventure through our website and social media channels — and be part of the voyage wherever you are in the world.