Picture of the ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl

The One Ocean Expedition 2025 - 2026

In the wake of the success of the One Ocean Expedition 2021-2023, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will set sail again in April 2025 for a new, 12-month-long expedition. Join us on a voyage that explores the ocean's crucial role in our future!

The One Ocean Expedition is global project with one clear purpose: to create attention and share knowledge about the ocean's crucial role for a sustainable future in a global perspective.

The next expedtion begins during One Ocean Week in Bergen in April 2025 and returns to Bergen for the One Ocean Week 12 months later in 2026.

map sailing route
Sailing Route - One Ocean Expedition 2025-2026

A Challenging Route

As a proud ambassador of the UN Decade of Ocean Science, Statsraad Lehmkuhl will visit 26 different ports over three continents.

One of the most exciting aspects is the plan to follow in Roald Amundsen’s footsteps and sail through the legendary and challenging Northwest Passage in the Arctic.

Ocean Research

Statsraad Lehmkuhl is primarily a training ship, providing education in sailing and traditional seamanship. During the One Ocean Expedition, she also functions as a research vessel and a floating university.

Statsraad Lehmkuhl is equipped with advanced sensors and scientific instruments that collect a wide range of ocean data
Statsraad Lehmkuhl is equipped with advanced sensors and scientific instruments that collect a wide range of ocean data.

The 111-year-old ship is equipped with state-of-the-art research equipment that continuously collects data on the health of the ocean. Unlike traditional research vessels, she is primarily powered by wind, resulting in minimal environmental impact.

sailing ship
During the One Ocean Expedition, the ship serves as a sail training ship, a research vessel, and a floating university. Photo: Richard Sibley

A floating university

During the expedition, Statsraad Lehmkuhl becomes a floating university - a unique learning environment where students, researchers, crew, and people from all walks of life live and work side by side.

Several legs are chartered by institutions such as the European Space Agency, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research. On board, participants gain hands-on experience in ocean science, sustainability, and seamanship.

students on the main deck
Lecture on deck in the Pacific Ocean with students from the University of Bergen during the first expedition in 2021–2023. Photo: Malin Kvamme
in the rigging
In addition to attending lectures, students take part in the operation and sailing of the ship. Photo: Malin Kvamme

In Port: Conferences, Diplomacy and Public Engagement

During port visits, the ship serves as a venue for scientific conferences and workshops, diplomatic and high-level meetings, educational programs and public outreach events.

open ship for the public
Open Ship in Yokohama, Japan during the One Ocean Expedition 2021–2023. Photo: André Marton Pedersen

Participation and Collaboration

The One Ocean Expedition brings together people from around the world with one shared mission: to highlight the ocean’s vital importance to a sustainable future.

In addition to partners from research, education, business, and public administration, several voyage legs are open to the public through regular ticket sales.

Whether you're a student, a researcher, a policymaker, a professional — or simply curious about life at sea — you’re welcome to come on board!

The people we need for the ocean we want

Statsraad Lehmkuhl proudly sails as an ambassador for the UN Decade of Ocean Science, supporting its vision: The science we need for the ocean we want.

The expedition contributes to important ocean research, but it’s the people on board who make the biggest difference.

Through life at sea - with shared tasks, powerful experiences, and close connections - participants gain a deeper understanding of the ocean’s importance. These shared moments create lasting networks between future ocean leaders, scientists, decision-makers, and passionate individuals.

In a time when climate change can feel overwhelming, especially for young people, One Ocean Expedition offers something just as vital as data: inspiration, hope, fun, and real-world solutions.

Reducing the gap between science and society

Researchers hold valuable knowledge about the ocean, but sharing it in a way that reaches everyone can be challenging. One Ocean Expedition helps bridge this gap by making science more visible, relatable, and engaging — both at sea and in port. The goal is to inspire greater understanding and action for a healthy, sustainable ocean. .

Open Ship in Yokohama, Japan during the One Ocean Expedition 2021-2023. Photo: André Marton Pedersen
Open Ship in Yokohama, Japan during the One Ocean Expedition 2021-2023. Photo: André Marton Pedersen

We cannot save the ocean alone

The ocean faces challenges too big for any one country, organization, or person to solve alone. On board Statsraad Lehmkuhl, collaboration is essential — just like it is on a global scale.

Life at sea, where limited resources must be shared, mirrors our shared responsibility for the planet. The expedition shows how teamwork, both on board and around the world, is key to creating real change.

We cannot save the ocean alone - but together, we can make a positive impact.

people on deck
On board, everyone must quite literally pull in the same direction.

UN sustainable develpoment goals

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

SDGs

Follow us online

The Lehmkuhl Foundation welcomes you on board as a “digital passenger” on this epic journey. Follow the adventure through our website and social media channels — and be part of the voyage wherever you are in the world.

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