– Det gir oss muligheten til å ta pulsen på jorda
With new technology and state-of-the-art research equipment from Kongsberg Gruppen on board, Statsraad Lehmkuhl has completed the two-year-long circumnavigation named the One Ocean Expedition.
The goal has been to map out life in the ocean to find more sustainable ways of managing its resources in the future.
"I have noticed a change in the ocean through my years working as captain. When we sail, we see things, like plastic, floating on the ocean surface. No matter where we are, we see something, even if it's in the middle of the Atlantic," says captain of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl, Marcus Seidl. He has spent over 35 years on the ship, 27 of them as captain. He is thrilled the ship has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology from Kongsberg Gruppen.
"The research equipment on board has been very important for the One Ocean Expedition. It has allowed us to monitor the Earth's pulse along the way," he explains.
Human Impact
Hegrestad believes the One Ocean Expedition can help fill in some gaps in our knowledge of microplastics, and that the research could lead to changes and increased awareness.
"One Ocean has highlighted the need for a more sustainable ocean and its importance. And the combination of being a research ship that sails around the world, while the guests on board have a once-in-a-lifetime experience is brilliant," she says.
Longstanding collaboration with Kongsberg Maritime
It has been an honour for Kongsberg Maritime to equip one of the world's largest sailing ships with new technology for such an important circumnavigation, says CEO of Kongsberg Maritime, Lisa Edvardsen Haugan.
"We are proud of the long collaboration we have had with the Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Norway is at the forefront of the fight to preserve our maritime environment, and Kongsberg Maritime is pleased to support One Ocean in this exciting and important project. It’s completely in line with our commitment to sustainable maritime operations," she says.
An important voyage is over, but the work is by no means finished. Now begins the crucial job of processing the findings from the expedition, to find solutions for the future.
Marine biology student Madelen Hegrestad believes that everyone who participated in the expedition left the ship with a different mindset than they boarded with.
"We have probably grown even more fond of the ocean, and truly understand how important it is that we take care of it," she concludes.
About the Statsraad Lehmkuhl
- The sailing ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl was built in Germany in 1914 and is one of the world's oldest and largest barques - a sailing ship with at least three masts.
- The sailing ship was originally named Grossherzog Friedrich August and was transferred to the Norwegian flag under the name Statsraad Lehmkuhl in 1923.
- On May 22, 1978, the Foundation of the Sailing Ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl was formally established, and the sailing ship has been in year-round operation for the last 20 years.
- Each year, about 2,000 crew members participate in sailing trips aboard the Statsraad.
- In 2019, a battery was installed on board, making the Statsraad Lehmkuhl the most environmentally friendly sailing ship of its class in the world.
About One Ocean Expedition
One Ocean Expedition is part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science and aims to raise awareness and share knowledge about the importance of the ocean for a sustainable future from a global perspective. Since August 2021, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl has been on a two-year circumnavigation, and has along the way functioned both as a training and research vessel. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art research equipment, which has continuously collected data on how humans impact the ocean. Along the way, exhibitions and other activities have been organised for schools, universities and partners around the world.
