OceanX and OceanQuest Launch Historic "Around Africa Expedition" to Unlock the Secrets of Africa’s Oceans

In a landmark collaboration, OceanX and OceanQuest have launched the Around Africa Expedition, a groundbreaking four-month journey aboard the cutting-edge research and media vessel, OceanXplorer. This ambitious expedition will explore the uncharted waters surrounding Africa, aiming to revolutionize our understanding of the continent’s marine ecosystems and drive global efforts toward ocean conservation and sustainable development.

Exploring Africa’s Hidden Marine Treasures

The Around Africa Expedition will traverse Africa’s coastline, from the Canary Islands to Cape Town, uncovering critical insights into the continent’s understudied oceans. By employing state-of-the-art technologies and innovative research methods, the expedition will map unexplored regions, document biodiversity hotspots, and study deep-sea ecosystems, including seamounts and ocean biodiversity patterns. These efforts will provide essential data to inform conservation policies, sustainable resource management, and marine protected area planning.

Vincent Pieribone, co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, emphasized the expedition’s significance: “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to exploring and protecting the ocean through bold science and partnership. By fostering innovation and building a lasting knowledge base, we aim to create meaningful, long-term impact for both the environment and local communities.”

A Global Initiative for Ocean Sustainability

Endorsed as part of the United Nations Ocean Decade (2021-2030), the expedition highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing ocean science. Key destinations include Gran Canaria, Cape Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, Namibia, and South Africa, where researchers will focus on:

Deep-Sea Exploration: Mapping uncharted ocean floors and studying seamount ecosystems, such as the Agulhas Plateau and Madagascar Ridge.

Ocean Biodiversity: Analyzing bacterioplankton diversity and aerosols, critical components of ocean health and biodiversity.

According to Dr. Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, “OceanQuest’s collaboration with OceanX underscores the power of partnerships in advancing ocean science and discovery. By working with local partners, such as KAUST and several African and international science networks we are connecting regional expertise to ensure that the knowledge and benefits generated by this expedition create lasting impacts, both for the people who depend on these waters and for the global community committed to sustainable deep ocean stewardship.” 

Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean Stewards

A core mission of the Around Africa Expedition is to inspire and train the next generation of ocean professionals. Through partnerships with organizations like the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO), the expedition will offer:

At-Sea Training: Hands-on experience for early-career ocean professionals in oceanography, eDNA analysis, and science communication.

Local Workshops: Intensive sessions on eDNA and data analysis for regional scientists.

Educational Outreach: Interactive programs for students and educators, including tours of the OceanXplorer during port calls, designed to ignite a passion for marine science and conservation.

A Legacy of Impact

The Around Africa Expedition is more than a scientific journey – it is a catalyst for change. By fostering international collaboration, advancing ocean research, and empowering local communities, the expedition aims to create a lasting legacy of sustainable ocean stewardship. This initiative is a powerful call to action, reminding the world of the urgent need to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations.

As the OceanXplorer sets sail, it carries with it the hopes of a healthier, more sustainable ocean – and a brighter future for Africa and the world.