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Picture of the ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl

The One Ocean Expedition

The One Ocean Expedition is a circumnavigation of the globe by the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Our goal is to create attention and share knowledge about the crucial role of the ocean for a sustainable development in a global perspective. The expedition is a recognized part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

In August 2021, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, one of the world´s largest sailing ships in full operation, set sail from Norway and began The One Ocean Expedition, a twenty month long circumnavigation of the globe.

The expedition aims to share knowglede and raise awarenwess about the importance of the ocean for our common, sustainable future.

During her almost two years at sea, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will sail more than 55.000 nautical miles and visit 36 ports worldwide.

A floating university

Before the expedition began, the 108-year-old sail training vessel was equipped with state-of- the-art research equipment that continuously collects data throughout the voyage around the globe. The different instruments measure, among other, levels of CO₂, eDNA, micro-plastic, ocean acidification, wave heights and temperature. An advanced hydrophone collects sounds from mammals and ocean noise, and the ship is stopped regularly so that water samples can be taken.

Collecting water samples in the Pacific. Photo: Malin Kvamme.
Collecting water samples in the Pacific. Photo: Malin Kvamme.

The 98 meter long ship serves as a floating university and training vessel combined, bringing students, scientists, trainees and professionals together on different legs. On board, everyone works together to sail the ship and gather experience and knowledge about the ocean and each other.

During port visits, the ship is used for conferences, diplomacy, high level meetings and cooperate hospitality.

Students from The University of Bergen combine sustainability studies and seamanship training in the Pacific. Photo: Malin Kvamme

The ocean unites us

The One Ocean Expedition emerged as an idea in 2016, at about the same time as the first initiatives were taken to propose a UN Ocean Decade. Regional seas are different, and the relative importance of different environmental challenges and human activities vary, but the global ocean unites us. We share a common future.

Common challenges including climate change and ocean acidification affect all parts of the ocean. That is why the idea of traversing the global “One Ocean” with a vessel that invites and in fact demands participants to work together, seemed like a fitting way to showcase the essence of the sustainability challenge and the role of the ocean in global sustainability.

Local students taking part in a workshop i Jamaica. Photo: Ole-Morten Algerøy
Local students taking part in a workshop i Jamaica. Photo: Ole-Morten Algerøy

Since planning started, more and more good forces have joined from academia, business, civil society and government. Safety, science, education, communication, logistics, port activities are some of the topics addressed by voluntary groups preparing the expedition.

The Aquarium in Bergen, one of the expediton´s dedicated partners, has a large exibition showing related displays and data from the research and the life on board.

UN sustainable develpoment goals

The One Ocean Expedition is a recognized part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (SDG). 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.

The One Ocean Week

On the ship´s arrival to her home port in Norway in April 2023, The City of Bergen will host the One Ocean Week, an international gathering with conferences, work shops and seminars.

Follow us online

The Lehmkuhl Fooundation invites everyone to become "digital passengers" on this epic expedition, to and follow us online through our website and our sosial media channels.

Facebook statsraadlehmkuhl
Instagram statsraad_lehmkuhl

Parts of the expedition will also be open for you to join on board with us!

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The One Ocean Expedition is a circumnavigation by the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl. We aim to to share knowledge about the crucial role of the ocean for a sustainable development in a global perspective.

Website by TRY / Netlife