OceanXplorer Expedition Ship on Mission to Fight Climate Change

Name: OceanXplorer Expedition Ship on Mission to Fight Climate Change
Uploaded: 2024-05-06T03:00:48Z
Duration: 20 min 32 s
Description: OceanX carried out a marine research expedition in Southeast Asian waters as an effort to fight climate change.

OceanX carried out a marine research expedition in Southeast Asian waters as an effort to fight climate change.

This article has been translated using AI. See Original .

JUMARTO YULIANUS

· 5 minutes read

OceanX, a global marine exploration non-profit organization, is holding marine research expeditions in the waters of Southeast Asia as part of its efforts to combat climate change. Using the OceanXplorer vessel, the OceanX team explores the depths of the waters and brings back important data to better understand how to protect and preserve the ocean.

The OceanXplorer ship docked at the port of Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore, in April 2024. Nine journalists from a number of Asian countries and one journalist from the United States had the opportunity to board the OceanXplorer ship on a trip to the Philanthropy Conference Asia or Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) 2024.

Rain was pouring heavily when the group of journalists arrived at Marina at Keppel Bay on Wednesday morning (17/4/2024). One by one, the journalists got off the minibus and immediately used their umbrellas. The group then walked towards the OceanXplorer ship and boarded the ship using a ladder. The crew of the OceanXplorer ship warmly welcomed the arrival of the group.

Before boarding the ship, the ship's crew distributes shoe wraps. Everyone is asked to wrap their shoes first for safety while walking around on the ship. By wearing the blue-colored wraps, the shoes no longer slip when stepping on the floor or when going up and down the stairs.

Vice President of Partnerships OceanX Nicole Kidston Thomson and staff welcomed the group of journalists. The group was then guided by OceanX Science Program Director Mattie Rodrigue to see several parts of the OceanXplorer ship.

The first location shown is the submarine hangar. There are two manned submarines there with the ability to dive up to a depth of 1,000 meters. The submarines are shaped like transparent glass spheres and are equipped with many cameras.

According to Colin Wollerman, the submarine pilot, both submarines make it possible to view the scenery of the marine environment without obstacles with minimal noise emissions.

"Scientists and filmmakers are able to observe, document and collect data about ecosystems and species in their natural environment," he said.

After that, the group was invited to see a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The ROV is equipped with at least 12 cameras and can be operated from a distance of 6,000 meters.

Olaf Albrecht Dieckhoff, the ROV supervisor, explained that the underwater robot is capable of maneuvering to explore, map, collect samples, and record the ocean in areas that are difficult or impossible to reach through manned operations.

Next, in the mission control room, a group of journalists can see the operation control system of the OceanXplorer ship. The control room serves as the ship's central nervous system. All instruments deployed from the ship send information to build the brain, nerves, and nerve groups that are then synthesized in mission control.

In addition, it was also shown the wet laboratory and dry laboratory on board. The wet laboratory is where scientists study deep-sea species and obtain high-resolution images.

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As for dry laboratories, they are places for scientists to conduct experiments on board and study species up close, such as complete environmental DNA (eDNA) and genetic sequencing, including tools to sequence and analyze the entire genome of marine animals and bacteria.

Mark Dalio, the founder and co-CEO of OceanX, stated in a press release that OceanX has begun a series of research expeditions in the Southeast Asian region using the OceanXplorer vessel.

The ship is called the world's most advanced exploration, scientific research, and media production vessel. The ship is also equipped with cutting-edge technology for surveying various marine environments, including deep-sea, shallow, and coastal habitats.

In its expedition, OceanX made Singapore the central meeting point. From Singapore, OceanX with its ships will continue missions to Indonesia (May-August 2024) and Malaysia (in the second half of 2024).

The OceanX team will partner with government agencies and scientists to conduct studies on the deep sea environment in order to provide input for science, policy, and economic decision-making.

"Southeast Asia is known as one of the largest centers of marine biodiversity in the world, and much of it is still undiscovered and unexplored. So, of course, we are very excited about the prospects of what we may find beneath the surface of the water," said Mark Dalio.

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Mattie Rodrigue mentioned that his organization is collaborating with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), as well as several universities in a marine research mission in Indonesia.

The expedition in Indonesia will commence from Banda Aceh, then traverse the regions of Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi. They will also dock in Jakarta.

Marine education

According to Dalio, Southeast Asia is home to several archipelagic countries, including the world's largest archipelagic country. In fact, nine out of 10 ASEAN countries border the sea, ranging from fisheries to marine conservation, natural disasters, and climate change. However, only a few areas have a closer relationship and dependence on the sea.

"With that mindset, OceanX is committed to joining Southeast Asia in efforts to combat climate change by exploring the depths of its waters and bringing back important data to better understand how to protect and preserve them," he said.

In Singapore, OceanX and Tanoto Foundation, a global philanthropic organization, also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will open discussions on programming collaboration and marine education opportunities in Indonesia and Singapore.

Southeast Asia is known as one of the world's largest centers of marine biodiversity, and much of it still remains undiscovered and unexplored.

OceanX collaborates with the Tanoto Foundation to involve students and educators, with an emphasis on providing accessible and high-quality education related to the marine industry. This partnership underlines the commitment of both organizations to focus on education while strengthening marine leadership.

"We feel honored to partner with the Tanoto Foundation in education, which will provide direct learning experiences in marine science, storytelling, and media production to students and educators in Indonesia and Singapore. Together, we can help develop the next generation of marine leaders in the region," said Dalio.

According to Anderson Tanoto, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tanoto Foundation, this collaboration is a perfect combination of Tanoto Foundation's focus on improving education and OceanX's innovative approach to marine exploration and conservation.

"We will achieve a common goal to better understand and protect the world's oceans through education programs, especially those focused on developing youth and leadership in Singapore and Indonesia. This collaboration was born through the Philanthropy Asia Alliance and is concrete evidence that if we want to go further, we must walk together," he said.

Editor:

HARIS FIRDAUS

OceanXplorer Expedition Ship on Mission to Fight Climate Change

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Marine education