The Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC) and the European Space Agency (ESA) collaborated to organize a unique ocean synergy training course known as the One Ocean Expedition. This expedition was a part of the Partnership for Education and Cooperation in Operational Oceanography (PECO2) project, aimed at supporting marine services tailored to the environmental and climate change needs of the southern African oceans. The expedition took place aboard the historic Norwegian sailing ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, during its journey from Maputo, Mozambique, to Cape Town, South Africa, from 3-13 January 2023. We, two fortunate participants from India, were lucky to be part of this extraordinary journey.
Embarking on an Extraordinary Journey:
Our adventure began on 31st December, as we set out from Kochi to New Delhi and then to Ethiopia to celebrate the New Year. From Ethiopia, we traveled to Maputo, Mozambique, where we met Mr. Franck Ghomsi, another participant of the expedition. The excitement and exhaustion were palpable as we reached the beautiful city of Maputo. Before commencing the expedition, we refreshed ourselves at the Maputo Waterfront, where we had the pleasure of meeting most of our co-participants. Little did we know that this voyage would lead us to encounter the majestic "Statsraad Lehmkuhl."
The Historic Sailing Ship "Statsraad Lehmkuhl":
Statsraad Lehmkuhl is a square-rigged ship with a rich history dating back to 1914 when it served as a training ship for the German merchant fleet. For over a century, this remarkable vessel has sailed under the Norwegian flag and is recognized as one of the largest, oldest, and most beautiful ships of its kind worldwide. Despite its age of 108 years, the ship remains in excellent condition, having recently completed its first-ever circumnavigation as part of the One Ocean Expedition. With its 22 sails, it can reach a speed of 17 knots, while its diesel engine propels it at 11 knots. Equipped with a desalination plant using reverse osmosis technology, the ship ensures a constant supply of freshwater while at sea. Various instruments on board allowed us to collect critical data, enabling us to monitor essential upper ocean features and their connection to satellite data.
A Diverse Group of Participants:
The training course was an invaluable opportunity for ocean enthusiasts. Thanks to the sponsorship of the European Space Agency, 20 students from their member states, including 40 students and Post Docs from the PECO2 project, participated. Among them were individuals from diverse backgrounds, including high school students, teachers, researchers, scientists, police officers, doctors, and entrepreneurs from 30+ nationalities.
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This collaboration fostered an atmosphere of learning, collaboration, and friendship throughout the journey. Our voyage took us along the Agulhas Current, one of the world's most powerful ocean currents, flowing southward from Madagascar along the African coast. The collision of cold Atlantic waters and warm Indian Ocean waters near the southern tip of Africa results in upwelling nutrient-rich water, creating a vibrant marine ecosystem. This region's significance for scientific exploration made our expedition even more exciting.
Research and Activities Onboard:
On January 2nd, we embarked on our journey from Maputo Port, forming three research groups: Air-Sea Interaction, Ocean Dynamics, and Marine Biology. Each group further split into subgroups, allowing participants to explore their specific interests. At various stops along the way, we collected ocean data, including temperature, salinity, density, plankton, and other chemical conditions. The ship's crew and scientists assisted us in gathering valuable information about the Agulhas current's strength and the region's climate.
An Unforgettable Experience:
Apart from research, the voyage was filled with numerous activities to keep spirits high. We were involved in watches such as Bouy, Look out, Fire, Helm, Science watches, each with specific duties and responsibilities. We had the privilege of climbing masts, setting sails, and steering the ship, which felt like being the captain of a pirate ship in the high seas. Amidst these exhilarating moments, we even encountered the stormy nature of the Agulhas current, an experience that tested our mettle and taught us valuable lessons about the sea. The One Ocean Expedition was indeed an adventure of a lifetime. We formed lasting bonds with fellow participants from around the world and shared moments of both excitement and challenges. The journey on Statsraad Lehmkuhl provided us with a unique platform for learning, research, and personal growth. We are grateful for this incredible opportunity and will forever cherish the memories of our time at sea. As we disembarked in Cape Town, South Africa, we knew that this voyage had expanded our horizons, both literally and metaphorically, and instilled in us a deep appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our oceans. The One Ocean Expedition will remain etched in our hearts as a voyage that united us in the pursuit of knowledge and a shared love for our planet's vast blue expanse.
Those are not birds hanging out in the mast, but us sailors setting sails
Written by Akash & Ullas
Connect : Akash S
Meet Akash S, a passionate early career scientist, has 5 years of research experience in Climate Variability, Ocean Dynamics, Fisheries Oceanography, and Ocean Modeling, specializing in Climate Change Adaptation. He holds a Master's from the prestigious College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, KAU, Thrissur, India, and his programming skills in FERRET, Python, Shell, R, and FORTRAN empower him to manage extensive datasets. Nowadays, he is more focused on investigating the Coastal and Open Ocean Deoxygenation and fisheries using in-situ datasets and physical-biogeochemical models by pursuing his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography at KUFOS & Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India), Kochi, India. His love for the Ocean knows no bounds, driven by an unwavering commitment to sustainability, Akash actively participates in scientific cruises, adeptly collecting data with sophisticated instruments, safeguarding marine ecosystems for the future. Join his captivating journey of ocean exploration, scientific innovation, and programming prowess.
Connect : Ullas M
"I am a researcher at the Nansen Environmental Research Centre in India. I am passionate about ocean research, and my research interests include ocean dynamics and sea level changes and I am being awarded the prestigious NANSI Ph.D fellowship from the Nansen Scientific Society in Norway. My passion for ocean research began when I was a child, as I was fascinated by both the sky and the ocean. But I realized that I was more drawn to the ocean and I decided to pursue a career in oceanography so that I could explore the ocean's mysteries which is not yet known to full. My master's curriculum in physical oceanography introduced me to wider topics and provided me with a strong footing in the field of ocean sciences. I am excited to continue my research and contribute to our understanding of the ocean."
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