Following two successful global expeditions, Statsraad Lehmkuhl is now preparing One Ocean Expedition 2028–2030, continuing its role as a floating ambassador for the UN Ocean Decade.
The preliminary route for One Ocean Expedition 2028–2030 will take Statsraad Lehmkuhl to 30 ports across all seven continents over the course of two years, bringing together sail training, ocean science, education and international collaboration to inspire action for a sustainable ocean.
The expedition builds on the experience and partnerships established during the 2021–2023 and 2025–2026 expeditions. Researchers, students, educators, decision-makers, businesses and voyage participants will once again come together on board and in ports around the world to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and inspire action.
"As a floating ambassador for the UN Ocean Decade, we will continue to support the vision of 'The science we need for the ocean we want.' At the same time, One Ocean Expedition also recognises another essential dimension: the people we need for the ocean we want.
On board Statsraad Lehmkuhl, people from different countries, cultures and professions live, work and learn together. They build friendships, networks and a shared understanding of the ocean that lasts long after the voyage has ended. Those human connections are among the most powerful drivers of change we know," says Haakon Vatle, expedition leader and CEO of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation.
A floating platform for ocean science
Throughout the expedition, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will operate as both a sail training vessel and a floating learning and research platform, equipped with advanced scientific instruments for continuous monitoring of the ocean and atmosphere.
The ship collects data on ocean currents, biodiversity, marine life, weather, water chemistry, microplastics, environmental DNA (eDNA) and much more.
Combined with an onboard laboratory and partnerships with leading research institutions, the expedition contributes valuable observations from across the world's oceans while giving students and scientists a unique platform for hands on collaboration, education and outreach.
As a floating ambassador for the UN Ocean Decade, Statsraad Lehmkuhl continues to connect research, education and international collaboration while generating knowledge that benefits the global ocean community.
Shaping the next expedition together
Planning is now underway together with partners across sectors and borders. The route presented today is preliminary and will continue to evolve as new collaborations are established and local programmes are developed.
"No single organisation, country or sector can solve the challenges facing the ocean alone. One Ocean Expedition is built on partnerships because lasting change happens when people work together. Our ambition is to mobilise, inspire and accelerate action—creating a global One Ocean Wave," says Vatle.
Organisations that share our ambition for a sustainable ocean are invited to explore partnership opportunities as planning for One Ocean Expedition 2028–2030 continues.
