Media invitation: embark a tall ship for a dive into ocean science
On the morning of 4 June 2025, ESA offers media representatives the exclusive opportunity to step aboard the iconic Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl, docked at Quai Amiral Infernet in Nice, France. This remarkable vessel arrives following ESA's six-week Advanced Ocean Training Course, a transformative journey from Troms?, Norway, where emerging researchers have been immersed in the world of ocean science.
During this intensive voyage, students have been mastering the use of satellite data to drive research, innovation and sustainable development, gaining critical skills to become tomorrow's leaders and ambassadors for ocean conservation. They have been guided by an international team of leading scientists, enabling a transfer of knowledge and inspiration.
The course is part of the year-long One Ocean Expedition, a global scientific and educational voyage exploring the Northern Hemisphere's oceans. With a mission to spotlight the ocean's vital role in a sustainable future, the expedition aligns with the United Nations Ocean Conference, which begins on 9 June in Nice, amplifying the urgency of ocean conservation and sustainable management under Sustainable Development Goal 14.
As Peter Thomson, United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean, stated, "There can be no healthy planet without a healthy ocean, and the ocean's health is currently measurably in decline."
Onboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl, media representatives will hear firsthand how ESA's Advanced Ocean Training Course is shaping the next generation of ocean scientists. They will also have the chance to engage with renowned ocean experts and meet ESA astronaut Pablo Álvarez Fernández, who has been learning alongside the students and will be available for interviews on his impression of ?tall ships and spaceships'.
Media attendees will also enjoy a guided tour of the ship, a living symbol of maritime heritage and a floating classroom for cutting-edge ocean science.
Join us for a rare opportunity to witness how ESA is empowering future ocean leaders and advancing global efforts for ocean sustainability.
Address: Quai de l'Amiral Infernet, 06300 Nice, France
Note: The Statsraad Lehmkuhl is scheduled to arrive at Quai Amiral Infernet on 3 June around 17:30, where it will be visible from the quay. As the ship gracefully docks, the air will come alive with the stirring sounds of sea shanties sung by those aboard ? an opportunity not to miss.
08:30: Registration and embarkation
09:00: Event opens with a sea shanty
09:05: Welcome by Jens Joachim Hiorth, Captain of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl
09:15: Briefing by Haakon Vatle, CEO of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation and Leader of the One Ocean Expedition
09:30: Talk by Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA
09:40: Talk by Craig Donlon, Lead Ocean Scientist at ESA, together with ESA's Advanced Ocean Training Course students
09:50: Q&A
10:10: Tour of ship given by ESA Ocean Training Course students, and interview opportunities. Light refreshments will be available.
10:30?16:30: United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 079) event ?Earth Observation Action for a Sustainable Future'
12:00: The ship has to move from Quai Amiral Infernet to Quay Riboty at 12:00 CEST. Media representatives are welcome to remain aboard for UNOC O79 technical presentations, but if you wish to disembark before the ship moves you must do so by 11:30.
16:30: End
Media registration
To participate, please register via the ESA media accreditation form: Media form ? ESA forms.The deadline for registration is 28 May at 17:00 CEST.
Contact
See also the ESA press release for more information.
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