At Swan Hellenic, we’ve always believed that exploration and discovery go hand in hand with protecting the world’s most precious environments. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our groundbreaking Cruising4Oceans initiative in 2025, furthering our commitment to ocean conservation through Citizen Science.
A New Wave of Data for Ocean Health
In December 2024, Swan Hellenic became the first shipping company to contribute real-time oceanographic data to the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), the European Commission’s leading source for marine environment and human activity data. This initiative builds on our partnership with the EU’s Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, which we proudly joined as the first shipping company signatory in 2023. Our expedition cruise ships, SH Vega and SH Diana, have been collecting invaluable data since August 2024, beginning in the Arctic around Svalbard. From water temperature and salinity to ocean currents and conductivity, our data is helping scientists and meteorologists improve ocean health forecasting and refine climate models. The findings are already proving crucial for researchers studying the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Citizen Science in Action: Why It Matters
Citizen Science is a powerful tool, allowing everyday explorers to contribute directly to cutting-edge research. Swan Hellenic guests and onboard experts have been participating in marine data collection for years, including:
- NASA’s cloud monitoring project
- Whale migration tracking with Happywhale
- Phytoplankton monitoring with the Secchi Disk Study
- Antarctic seabird population studies with Stony Brook University
With the expansion of Cruising4Oceans, we’re not only feeding EMODnet with critical oceanographic data but also supporting the development of AquaBioSens—a revolutionary handheld biosensor that can test water safety in minutes, compared to the current 24-hour standard.
2025: A Year of New Discoveries
Looking ahead, Swan Hellenic will take Citizen Science to the next level with two exciting advancements:
- Tracking Climate-Driven Biodiversity Shifts - Guests will capture georeferenced images of marine flora and fauna, contributing to a global database monitoring the effects of climate change on species distribution.
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) Research – We’ll explore new ways to collect and analyze genetic material left behind by marine organisms, helping scientists detect species presence, assess biodiversity, and predict migration patterns caused by climate change.
European Climate Pact Ambassador MarioDogliani emphasizes the significance of this research: “eDNA has tremendous potential for detecting climate-driven trends earlier, allowing us to forecast species migration and ecosystem shifts. By pioneering best practices, Swan Hellenic’s Cruising4Oceans is setting a new standard for marine conservation.”
Join Us on a Journey That Makes a Difference
Swan Hellenic’s cultural expedition cruises are about more than just adventure—they’re about leaving a positive impact on the world’s most fragile ecosystems. Whether you’re navigating the Arctic, Greenland, or Antarctica, your journey will contribute to vital scientific discoveries that help shape the future of ocean conservation.
As CEO Andrea Zito puts it: “We are honored to be supporting this vital EU Mission and will be delighted to share our methodology with other operators to ensure a substantial volume of reliable data can be obtained.”
So, are you ready to embark on an expedition where exploration meets purpose? Join us in 2025 and be part of the movement to restore and protect our oceans for generations to come.