Satellites discovered the vortex 50 years ago, but it took a tall-ship to reveal its secrets.

OOE 2025 - 2026

Paused over a giant vortex

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Nice, France, June 3–13, 2025.

Nice, France

Ship doctor Anders Einum had no sailing experience when he boarded Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Tromsø.

– I don't even know if I'll get seasick, he said.

– It just sounded like a cool adventure

On the second leg of the One Ocean Expedition, experts from ESA, NASA, OceanData Lab, and the Nansen Center are on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The proud sailing ship is a floating research vessel.

ESA and NASA board the 111-year-old ship to teach ocean science

On board Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a range of scientific instruments gather data continuously or during research stops. Together, they give us a clearer picture of ocean conditions, processes and life.       

Research instruments on board

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Reykjavik, Iceland, May 5–8, 2025

Reykjavik, Island

Statsraad Lehmkuhl slowed to a full stop, and a sleek instrument was lowered into the sea. The first research stop was underway.

– Everyone holds their breath

In 1972 they were students and sailors on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Now, they are older, reflective, and reunited, back on board the very same ship that carried them through storms and into adulthood.

Back on deck, 52 years later

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Tromsø April 20–22, 2025

Tromsø, Norway

André Marton Pedersen is Content producer aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl for the first leg of the One Ocean Expedition. A walk along one of the beaches in Lerwick, Shetland, inspired him to buy garbage bags instead of souvenirs.

– I feel like the beach is a little bit mine

Two French scientists are having the time of their life, beeing Science coordinators on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

Sailing, and doing science - irresistible!

During the first One Ocean Expedition, Statsraad Lehmkuhl was hit head-on by the pandemic. This time, it’s geopolitics that makes the rigging whistle.

A geopolitical storm

Lerwick was the first port visited by Statsraad Lehmkuhl during the One Ocean Expedition, April 13–14, 2025.

OOE 2021 - 2023

Lerwick, Shetland

On April 11 2025, Statsraad Lehmkuhl set out on a new expedition. Not around the globe this time, but no less spectacular.

A new voyage for the future

The One Ocean Expedition 2021–2023 marked a historic milestone for Statsraad Lehmkuhl – the ship’s very first circumnavigation. Over the course of 20 months, the vessel sailed 60,000 nautical miles and visited 37 ports in 19 countries. 

The First Circumnavigation: One Ocean Expedition 2021–2023

Built in 1914, Statsraad Lehmkuhl has sailed through two world wars, trained thousands of sailors, and been saved from extinction more than once. This is the story of how a legendary tall ship became a modern platform for sail training, ocean research, and global education.

Sailing Through History: The Journey of Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Do you dream of an active holiday filled with spectacular nature experiences, where you cross open seas, climb the rigging, and take the helm on the world's most beautiful sailing ship? Now is your chance! Statsraad Lehmkuhl invites you to be part of the One Ocean Expedition 2025–2026 – a unique voyage where everyone can participate, regardless of experience. The expedition spans one year and three continents, giving you the opportunity to explore everything from Arctic waters to tropical coastlines. Where will you join? 

Join the One Ocean Expedition – Unique Voyages to Exciting Destinations!

The UN's new 'Ocean Chief,' Vidar Helgesen, has accepted the role of goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition. 'Statsraad Lahmkuhl is an unbeatable arena for bringing people together and sharing knowledge,' says Helgesen, who leads UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

Vidar Helgesen is the new goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition.

"We cannot save the ocean alone, but we can make a difference," says Haakon Vatle, expedition leader and CEO of the Lehmkuhl Foundation. In April 2025, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will embark on a new One Ocean Expedition, aiming to inspire people to take action for the ocean and help bridge the gap between research and the public 

A Planet in Miniature: Inspiring Action for the Ocean

Vidar Helgesen, recently appointed as leader of the UN’s International Ocean Commission (IOC), has accepted the role of goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition. As a former Minister of Climate and Environment with extensive experience in Norwegian and international politics, Helgesen brings a deep commitment to ocean and sustainability issues to the expedition.


We asked Helgesen what motivated him to accept the role of goodwill ambassador for the One Ocean Expedition.

During the first 13 months of the circumnavigation, "Statsraad Lehmkuhl" collected more than 700,000 files of research data. That equals to more than 8.6 terabytes.

Collects an ocean of data from the circumnavigation

Fishing is fun and fresh fish is really good food. But that is not the only reason why we fish from Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

Fishing to find out 

Nothing that can be eaten is thrown away in the galley on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

Yesterday's dinner is today's lunch

The circumnavigation One Ocean Expedition 2021-2023 has set a new course for Statsraad Lehmkuhl. We are well underway with plans for a new, grand expedition in 2025-2026. 

Heading for new expeditions 

It has been a busy week busy for Statsraad Lehmkuhl´s crew since returning to Bergen. The ship has been a venue for multiple events.   

A busy Ocean Week for Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Statsraad Lehmkuhl arrived in Bergen, Norway April 15  2023.

Finally back in Bergen

No it is not small islands, but piles of seaweed.

Sailing through the Sargasso Sea

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Puerto Rico March 12-16 2023

Puerto Rico

Statsraad Lehmkuhl has been named the world's fastest tall ship in 2022. This is the ninth time Lehmkuhl wins The Boston Tea Pot Trophy.

The fastest in the world - again! 

During the One Ocean Expedition, Statsraad Lehmkuhl has so far crossed the Atlantic Ocean three times. Now, the ship is well into crossing number four.

Crossing the Atlantic, again

No, the island is not in the sailing plan, but we can't miss the opportunity.

Just have to visit St. Helena

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Natal, Brazil, February 17-20 2023

Natal, Brazil

The Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet in only one place. That meeting is not without drama.

Where two oceans collide

When Statsraad Lehmkuhl left Maputo on January 3rd, the ship only had fresh water for two days of normal consumption. Timberman Joachim Juel Vædele explains what happened.

Not enough water in the tanks

A few days into the new year Statsraad Lehmkuhl sets sail and heads towards one of the world's strongest ocean currents.

A ship full of students

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Cape Town, South Africa, January 13-20 2023

Cape Town, South-Africa

South African school children are looking forward to Statsraad Lehmkuhl coming to Cape Town in January. They have been working all autumn on a performance that will be shown on board.

A song for One Ocean Expedition

Finally Odd Jarle Flatebø was going on board a proper sailing ship again. 
- I was very happy when I got the phone call, he laughs . 

Meet the new captain of Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Maputo December 17 2022 - January 3 2023

Maputo, Mozambique

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk was supposed to organize activities on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl when the ship visited New York City last December. Covid put an end to that, but the aquarium director Jason Patlis was hooked.

– I learned that I could join the One Ocean Expedition as a trainee.





– The Lehmkuhl had gotten into my blood

Kamilla Steenvinkel is coxswain and sustainability officer on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl. - I realize that sustainability is about much more than the climate and environment.

Kamilla makes sure nothing goes to waste

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Mauritius December 2 - 5 2022 

Mauritius

If we can avoid it, we don't go down into the engine room, says 1st machinist Annika Franks.

45 ℃ is hot

This article is about Norwegian idioms taken from life on board tall ships, and is only available in Norwegian.

På bare stumpene

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Jakarta November 6-9 2022

Jakarta, Indonesia

The system for keeping track of who is on board the Statsraad Lehmkuhl and who is ashore is as ancient as it is ingenious.

Walkway guard

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Singapore October 29 - November 1 2022

Singapore

On the leg between Naha and Ishigaki in Japan, Norwegian leaders from business and public administration manned Statsraad Lehmkuhl. What did they learn along the way?

What do you bring back home?

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Manila October 12-15 2022

Manila, Philippines

- What is One Ocean Expedition really about, asks André Marton Pedersen. You'll find his answer in the video he made.

- We must not destroy this

On Okinawa, Statsraaad Lehmkuhl changed the crew. One of those walking up the gangway was Øyvind Paasche, working at the research institute NORCE. - Adapting to climate change will be more demanding than most people can imagine, he says.

- We are off the scale

Pilot whales are know to be both curious and playful. Friday a small pod swam up to Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

Curious whales paying a visit

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Ishigaki October 1-7 2022

Ishigaki, Japan

When you're a ship carpenter on a tall ship, it's not enough to be handy. You must also be an expert in sustainability and quite an inventor.

Inventor and environmentalist

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Naha September 24-28 2022

Naha, Okinawa

A strange creature full of spikes appeared in the trawl collecting microplastics, a puffer fish.

A poisonous delicacy

You don't sail the tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl into Yokohama without it getting attention. Both politicians, the press and ordinary Japanese came aboard, and went ashore again with new knowledge about how important the ocean is to us all.

In Japan for the first time

The sea surface temperature around Japan is increasing rapidly. Satoru Yokoi wants to find out how it affects the weather.

A warmer ocean affects the weather

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Yokohama September 12-15 2022

Yokohama, Japan

They did not see minke whales as the crew first believed, but the much rarer bryde's whales.

A rare whale

When captain Jens Joachim Hiorth contracted corona, Sune Blinkenberg had to take over at short notice. - Lucky for me, he smiles.

A new captain on board

A few days ago, Captain Blinkenberg found out that there is a typhoon heading towards Japan. Now he has come up with a cunning plan.

Plans to hitchhike with the typhoon

The small island state Palau in the Pacific is strongly affected by climate change. Nevertheless, President Surangel Whipps strongly believes that there is hope. The hope is in the young people and a strong cooperation across national borders.    

Hope for Palau 

When I landed in Palau, a powerful poem was stamped in my passport - the Palau Pledge - written by the children here in Palau. I had to sign it to be admitted, which I did with joy and humility.

Into a unique and vulnerable part of the world

“𝐎𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐎𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫.” 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐞𝐦, 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝟐𝟏, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟓.

What we learned from sailing across the Pacific Ocean

On the first of May, Magnus Jansen Sverkeli boarded Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Chile to sail across the Pacific Ocean. Now the journey is over for him and the rest of the students, who have spent the summer pulling ropes, setting sails, cleaning toilets, standing on look-out watch, and at the same time taking a university course. How was the voyage?

- I'm probably not the same person anymore

Camilla Borrevik is showing the students on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl the front line of climate change.

- In the Pacific Ocean climate change is a reality that is here and now

Today, August 20, it is exactly one year since One Ocean Expedition cast off from Arendal. 

One year at sea! 

Marianne Aanerud was ship's doctor on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl in the Pacific, and knows that there is more that threatens the people of the Pacific than climate change and rising sea levels.

French misbehaviour in the Pacific Ocean

Chief engineer Jonas Hollænder Jensen got tired of the pile of empty cardboard boxes, and came up with a smart solution.

An ingenious invention

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Fiji June 26-30 and July 19-21 2022.

Fiji

Pernille Landrø from Gol in Hallingdal, Norway, is one of the students swapping the study hall for the Pacific Ocean this summer. She has written a letter to her local newspaper Hallingdølen about her life on board.

Message in a bottle

A nice tuna on the hook, but all that came on board was a severed head.

A shark stole the dinner

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Palau August 24-27 2022.

Palau

Even the plankton samples the students take are contaminated with microplastics.

Plastic pollution in the middle of the Pacific Ocean

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Tonga July 13-15 2022.

Tonga

A sailing ship is a small world of itself. Densely populated with people who all have their tasks and roles to fill, in a fairly rigid system. How does it really work?

Doing research on the life on board

An email from the Secretary of Justice in the Cook Islands reminded us of a fantastic story from the sailing ship era, and gave us a mystery to solve.    

Related to privatee captain Jonas Jonassen?

It has been more than a month since Statsraad Lehmkuhl left Chile to sail across the Pacific Ocean. With over 120 people to cook for, the provisions store is getting smaller and smaller and soon there will be no more vegetables.

Nearly out of vegetables

Marcus Albert Seidl, captain of Statsraad Lehmkuhl for almost 30 years, has recently returned home after leading the longest continuous voyage the ship has ever completed: 35 days at sea from Valparaiso in Chile to the Pacific island of Tahiti. Joining him on the voyage across the Pacific were 90 anxious students from the University of Bergen and the ship's permanent crew. Here he shares some of his thoughts on the historic voyage in the Pacific. 

Travelog from captain Seidl in the Pacific Ocean 

- Now we have enough data to start drawing conclusions, says marine scientist Geir Huse.

The scientists are digging into the data

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Rarotonga, Cook Islands 13-15. June 2022.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a disorderly formation flew past the masts of Statsraad Lehmkuhl. They are sulids, perhaps the most beautiful family of seabirds there are.

The flying torpedoes

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Tahiti June 6-8 2022.

Papeete, Tahiti

May 22, the students on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl finally got to take a swim, jumping into the Pacific Ocean from the ship. The water was 25 ℃, nice and warm, but still several degrees cooler than normal. The La Niña phenomenon is the cause.

Statsraad Lehmkuhl is on a date with La Niña

This is the story of one of the many young boys in western Norway who had their apprenticeship on board the school ship «Statsraad Lehmkuhl» in the "old days".

Sailing on board «Statsraad Lehmkuhl» in the old days

Statsraad Lehmkuhl has left Valparaíso, Chile, and are headed west toward Tahiti. On board are 90 students from the University of Bergen, Norway.

Studying under full sail

30 years ago, Johan Petersen set out from Norway on a voyage around the globe in the small sailboat Sorgenfri, together with his friends Peder, Thomas and Terje.

Now Johan has rounded Cape Horn again, this time on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

Returned to where he was seeking shelter 30 years ago

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Valparaíso April 29 - May 1, 2022

Valparaíso, Chile

The ocean current circling Antarctica is the largest in the world. In the middle of the current lies the Sars Guyot, keeping its secrets close.

Would not let go of its secrets

It's Easter, and everything is fine on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl. This was not the case last Christmas, when Covid ravaged. Here is the story told by Roald Havre, who was the ship's doctor on board these turbulent days.

Being a ship's doctor in the age of Corona

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Puerto Montt April 22-24 2022

Puerto Montt, Chile

The artist Kygo is currently sailing around Cape Horn on Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

- The ocean is very important for a sustainable future. We have got to take care of it. I want to use my platform to be able to spread the message to as many people as possible, he says.


Kygo is our new goodwill ambassador

A historic moment for the 108-year-old Statsraad Lehmkuhl, and an emotional experience for all on board.

Around Cape Horn for the first time

In mid-March 2022, one of the huge ice shelves in Antarctica completely collapsed. The Norwegian Polar Institute is surprised.

Watch out for icebergs!

Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits Ushuaía March 30 - April 1, and April 7-8 2022

Ushuaia, Argentina

Fear and curiosity, a dream or a nightmare. All sailors have a relationship with Cape Horn.

Cape Horn, the ultimate test

- In the orlop the cadets sleep shoulder to shoulder, and no one can set a sail by themselves. Everyone must pull together in the same direction.

Commander SG Sigvard Sandvik at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy is sure, there is no better place to train future naval officers than on board a sailing ship.

The urgent solution turned out to be perfect

Statsraad Lehmkuhl is now 45 degrees south, off the coast of South America, inside one of the "highways" of the old sailing ships.

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