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.
The Northwest Passage voyage has been planned for over two and a half years, in close cooperation with, among others, one of Canada’s most experienced ice pilots. Already in the planning phase, we were aware of the risks and that ice conditions would be decisive for whether the voyage could be completed.
Although ice charts for large parts of the route have looked promising, recent data show that the coming ice conditions could exceed what the ship is certified for. This is particularly the case in the western part of the Canadian Arctic, where ice melting season has started later than expected, and there is significant uncertainty about developments in the coming weeks.
– We never compromise on safety, especially not in Arctic waters, says Haakon Vatle, expedition leader and CEO of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation.
– Of course, many are disappointed, but nature has the final say. We have been prepared for the possibility of having to change the route, and have quickly prepared alternative solutions.
UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Vice-Rector for Research and Development at UiT The Arctic University of Norway and responsible for the student course on board, Jørgen Berge, says:
– We have been informed that the ship cannot enter the Northwest Passage due to ice conditions. This will have implications for the planned course and research voyage. Exactly how it will be affected is something we will work on in the coming days and weeks, but we will always prioritise the students’ safety and learning, and will therefore ensure that they can complete the ongoing course under the new prevailing conditions. The situation demonstrates how unpredictable the Arctic can be, and that nature always has the final word.
One Ocean Expedition continues - new route set
In consultation with UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the course is now set southwards so the ship can meet as many of its commitments as possible along the US West Coast.
The preliminary plan is now for Statsraad Lehmkuhl to arrive in Bermuda at the same time as the original scheduled call in Cambridge Bay (August 29 2025).
From there, the ship will sail through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles, and then continue to Vancouver, arriving as planned in mid-October 2025.
Facts about the voyage
On board: 78 students and researchers from UiT The Arctic University of Norway, as well as 36 crew members.
Original route through the Northwest Passage: Nuuk (Greenland) - Pond Inlet (Canada) - Cambridge Bay (Canada) - Whittier (USA)New route: Nuuk - Bermuda - Panama Canal - Los Angeles - Vancouver
New route: Nuuk - Bermuda - Panama Canal - Los Angeles - Vancouver