Swan Hellenic’s Cruising4Oceans Joins GlobalCoast Network
Swan Hellenic’s Cruising4Oceans initiative has been recognized as a pilot site within the GlobalCoast Network. The network is supported by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
The pilot is based around Deception Island in Antarctica. It is the network’s first ship-based site and its southernmost pilot location.
Ships Become Moving Ocean Observatories
Swan Hellenic’s Vega, Diana and Minerva operate around Deception Island during the Antarctic summer. Together, the ships form a “moving ocean observatory” that collects environmental data during expedition cruises.
Unlike fixed observation stations, the initiative uses vessels already travelling through remote and data-scarce marine areas. As a result, Cruising4Oceans can provide observations from locations where regular scientific monitoring is difficult.
Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, said the initiative reflects the company’s responsibility to contribute to the understanding and protection of remote environments.
The company aims to use its expedition ships not only to visit these regions but also to contribute useful observations to the international scientific community.
Supporting Ocean Research
Cruising4Oceans is coordinated by Mario Dogliani, president of SDG4MED, a foundation focused on maritime sustainability and ocean health restoration.
The initiative collects observations during regular ship operations. After validation, the data is made freely available through EMODnet, the European Marine Observation and Data Network.
According to Dogliani, the approach does not create a new scientific method. Instead, it makes scientific use of ships that are already operating in remote waters.
Therefore, the program can help expand access to environmental information without relying solely on fixed monitoring infrastructure.
Citizen Science and Marine Conservation
Cruising4Oceans also involves expedition guests in citizen science and ocean awareness activities. When conditions permit, participants can also take part in marine litter and plastic removal efforts.
Deception Island is the first GlobalCoast Network pilot site. However, Swan Hellenic ships also travel through other remote coastal regions, including Svalbard and Greenland.
Similar data-collection activities are already taking place in these areas. The company said the model could be replicated in other data-poor marine environments where commercial vessels regularly operate.
By combining expedition travel, scientific observation and citizen participation, Cruising4Oceans aims to contribute additional information to efforts to understand and protect remote ocean environments.
