Will Harris with the OceanPack

Will Harris moments before deploying the drifter buoy from onboard Malizia 4

Since 2018, every race, training or delivery is an opportunity Team Malizia takes to contribute to Ocean and climate research

As they deliver Malizia 4 to New York ahead of The Ocean Race Atlantic, Team Malizia’s crew has deployed a weather buoy in the North Atlantic. The scientific instrument will now drift with the Ocean currents, collecting data that is vital for improving weather forecasts and monitoring climate change. While our team has carried scientific equipment aboard our IMOCA yachts since 2018, this marks the very first weather buoy deployment from our brand-new Malizia 4.

The drifter buoy Team Malizia deployed in the North Atlantic on their way to New York for The Ocean Race Atlantic

Team Malizia Deploys Weather Buoy En Route To New York

Planet Hero Award 2022

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Participants of the OKEANOS expedition looking at Kelp

The team sailed up the coast of Norway, stopping in various locations to talk to stakeholders and learn more about kelp and its value

Filmmakers, early career researchers of different fields and journalists took part in this interdisciplinary opportunity

Having left the calm waters of the Baltic Sea behind, Malizia Explorer has made her way from Kiel through the Kiel Canal and is now sailing north towards Bodø, Norway. This delivery voyage, however, is much more than a passage to the vessel's next scientific mission. Over the next 20 days, it will become a floating classroom, research platform and storytelling hub for ten young ocean changemakers.

Malizia Explorer Heads North with the Next Generation of Ocean Changemakers

Chiara Stichling, who wrote her masters thesis about organic carbon storage in mangrove soils

The community planting in the Malizia Mangrove Park

Tree planting donation programmes can sometimes feel like a good deed and good way to reduce carbon emissions. One click, a few pennies and somewhere in a distant region, a tree is planted. However, that the change brought on by your spare change and its impact is tenfold and goes much further than just carbon capture, often remains known. Chiara Stichling, who was writing her masters thesis in the Malizia Mangrove Park, can however testify to the latter. 

From Kiel to the Philippines: How Mangroves Turn Promises into Impact

Malizia Explorer and GEOMAR researchers before departing Kiel on their first leg 

The researchers are studying seagrass meadows and their resilience

The first GEOMAR expedition aboard the research sailing vessel Malizia Explorer set sail today. Scientists from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel are conducting research into seagrass beds and microalgae – also known as phytoplankton – over the course of three short expeditions. The Malizia Explorer is a sailing boat that has been converted for research purposes. Operated by professional sailor Boris Herrmann and his Team Malizia, it has been sailing the world’s oceans since April 2025.

Geomar sets sail on the Malizia Explorer in the baltic

My Ocean Challenge at Hamburg Sustainability Week in Finkenwerder

Sundowner on the Elbe

Guests Onboard the Malizia Explorer at Sandthorhafen

After an inspiring week at Kiel Week, Malizia Explorer continued her journey in the north of Germany and arrived in Hamburg for a special occasion: the Hamburg Sustainability Week and the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC).

Malizia Explorer at Hamburg Sustainability Week

Malizia Explorer Brings Ocean Science and Sustainability to Hamburg

The Malizia Explorer crew recovering the device.

A map of collaboration. 

On 19 May 2026, scientists, Ocean modellers, navigators, and Ocean observation experts, including Team Malizia and the Malizia Explorer, came together to continue a unique mission: bringing home and giving a second life to an underwater robot that had sustained damage during an unprecedented journey across the Ocean. 

Redwing Recovery: How Malizia Explorer Contributed to a Global Collaboration Success Story in Ocean Observing

Zusammen mit unserem Partner Zurich Gruppe Deutschland suchen wir die Planet Heroes 2026. Seit 2021 unterstützt der Planet Hero Award jährlich die besten und wirkungsstärksten Projekte und Initiativen zur Verbesserung des Umwelt- und Klimaschutzes.

Bewerbt euch für den Planet Hero Award 2026!

Some of the expedition participants on Malizia Explorer's departure day in Ushuaia

Malizia Explorer leaving the Beagle Channel and heading to the Western Antarctic Peninsula for a joint mission with Under The Pole

For the first of two consecutive one-month missions, the sailing research vessels Malizia Explorer and Under The Pole are teaming up for an expedition to Antarctica. The mission brings together an international crew of scientists and climate activists, including Dr. Lea Olivier, Luisa Neubauer, Camille Étienne, and Tamara Klink, to the Western Antarctic Peninsula, where Malizia Explorer will carry out research, support Under The Pole’s scientific deep diving programme, and help amplify the mission’s conservation and policy implications.

Malizia Explorer leaving the Beagle Channel

Malizia Explorer Departs Ushuaia For Second Antarctic Mission, Joining Forces With Under The Pole

Malizia Explorer and Under The Pole Join Forces for Antarctic Expedition to Advance Science, Conservation, and Advocacy

Malizia Explorer in Antarctica half a year after its launch. 

The christening of the Malizia Explorer in Monaco.

ECOP's in Senegal

Fernando de Noronha 

Sea elephant in front of the Malizia Explorer.

As the year comes to a close, it feels natural to look back on what shaped the past twelve months. For the Malizia Explorer, that is quite a story.

From Vision to Voyage: The First Year of the Malizia Explorer

Wildlife on the way

Penguins on the Danger Islands.

Malizia Explorer in Ushuaia!

The Malizia Explorer research vessel has arrived in Ushuaia after a fast and favourable passage north. The crew made the informed decision to depart King George Island on Wednesday, where they had been waiting for a weather window to attempt a second landing on the Danger Islands. No such window ever materialised, and the route remained firmly closed by sea ice. Less than five days later, the vessel reached Tierra del Fuego with crew and scientists safe on shore.

Malizia Explorer Returns to Ushuaia 

Malizia Explorer returning home

Marin Moreau, sailor on Malizia Explorer, standing on the mast spreader for a better view.

Malizia Explorers’ first scientific sailing expedition in Antarctica has begun its return to Ushuaia after a decisive call to halt further attempts to reach the Danger Islands. Following one successful landing on Brash Island, which is the westernmost island within the archipelago, the team determined that worsening ice conditions and an unfavourable weather forecast made any additional passage unfeasible. The team are set to arrive by Sunday the 7th of December with a wealth of knowledge and data collected during this first detailed study of the Danger Islands archipelago.

Danger Islands Mission draws to an end! 

Boris Herrmann, Esther Horvath and Dr. Simeon Lisovski were on a live call to a German school when they first saw the Danger Islands.

Ice around the Malizia Explorer

Osama Mustafa, ThINK Jena. 

A team happy to have made it back safely. 

For months, our team had been preparing for the moment the Malizia Explorer would make landfall on the Danger Islands, which are seven small islands spanning just 5 km² off the Antarctic Peninsula. It’s a place recently designated as an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA 180), and, following Germany’s commitment to protect it, a team of scientists and the Malizia Explorer crew set sail towards these untouched islands. On the 19th of November 2025, the crew of 14, composed of scientists, media representatives, sailors, and a cook, made their way to the end of the world on the 26-metre sailing vessel to study penguins and seven small yet ecologically valuable islands. Their dual mission: gathering data on this newly protected area on land, and collecting evidence that may support the expansion of the protected zone into the marine environment if necessary.

First Steps on the Danger Islands: Reaching One of Antarctica’s Most Remote Frontiers

Adelie penguins cover a large amount of the Danger Islands during breeding season and are subject of the study that will be conducted onboard Malizia Explorer

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia Explorer before departure in Ushuaia

Boris Herrmann onboard Malizia Explorer earlier this year shortly after the launch of the new research vessel

The Malizia Explorer science vessel has set sail for the Danger Islands on its first mission to Antarctica. Together with researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the Thuringian Institute of Sustainability and Climate Protection (ThINK), and the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Boris Herrmann and the team onboard Malizia Explorer are carrying out a joint scientific survey of this remote archipelago. Their goal is to deliver the first detailed study of the region and turn it into a pilot project that translates scientific evidence into political action, potentially creating a blueprint for accelerating Ocean protection in the future.

The Danger Islands 2025 Mission crew of sailors, scientists, and media representatives onboard Malizia Explorer

Boris Herrmann and Malizia Explorer Set Sail on Scientific Mission to the Danger Islands, Antarctica

Planet Hero Award 2025

Planet Hero Award 2025 Gala im Zurich Campus in Köln

Gewinner in der Kategorie Ozean- & Gewässerschutz: SALZWASSER VEREIN und Boris Herrmann

This year's winners of the Planet Hero Awards are now known. Yesterday evening, Boris Herrmann and Zurich Group Germany selected Germany's Planet Heroes 2025. Since 2021, the Planet Hero Award annually honours projects in three categories: climate protection, biodiversity, Ocean and water protection.

Boris Herrmann und Dr. Carsten Schildknecht mit den Planet Heroes 2025

Boris Herrmann and Zurich announce Planet Heroes 2025

Team Malizias Boris Herrmann veröffentlich mit Co-Autor Walter Wüllenweber "Die Welt unter meinem Boot"

Die Welt unter meinem Boot - Co-written by Boris Herrmann and Walter Wüllenweber, and released on 22 October 2025 by C.Bertelsmann

Boris Herrmann präsentierte sein neues Buch bei der Malizia Pressekonferenz zum Start des Ocean Race Europe 2025 in Kiel

Today, 22 October 2025, marks the official release of "The World Beneath My Boat", the new book by renowned sailor Boris Herrmann, co-authored with Walter Wüllenweber. In this compelling publication, the authors offer readers a unique perspective beneath the surface of the Ocean, combining Boris Herrmann’s passion for sailing with his dedication to Ocean science and environmental protection.

Boris Herrmann Launches His New Book "The World Beneath My Boat"

Boris Herrmann Launches His New Book The World Beneath My Boat

Spartina anglica grows abundantly in salt marshes. 

Have you ever stood on the coast, breathed in that Ocean air, and thought, “Wow, what a beautifully eggy, rotten smell”? No? Well, this short article about eggs-tremely egg-celent saltmarshes is here to change your mind!

Salty With A Chance Of Egg: The Power of Saltmarshes

Zum bereits 5. Mal in Folge wird der Planet Hero Award zusammen mit unserem Partner Zurich verliehen – und du kannst mitentschieden, welches der neun nominierten Projekte den Titel des Publikumslieblings erhält.

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"Die Welt unter meinem Boot", Boris Herrmann & Walter Wüllenweber

Boris Herrmann veröffentlicht sein drittes Buch bei C.Bertelsmann

A life dedicated to sailing and protecting the Ocean: On 22 October 2025, top sailor Boris Herrmann will release his new book The World Beneath My Boat, written together with co-author Walter Wüllenweber. The two take readers on a fascinating journey beneath the surface of the sea.

Boris Herrmann Takes a Closer Look in His New Book at “The World Under My Boat”

Nice, France, welcomed the United Nations Ocean Conference from 9 to 13 June 2025

Boris Herrmann speaking at the One Ocean Science Congress press conference

Boris Herrmann signing the One Ocean Science Congress manifesto

Dr Lea Olivier presented a scientific poster at La Baleine, Nice, showcasing her research with the CO2 data collected by Team Malizia during The Ocean Race 2022-2023

Malizia Explorer christening

Malizia Explorer in front of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Carsten Schneider, the German Minister for the Environment and Boris onboard Malizia Explorer during the Ocean Wonders Parade

Team photo on stage after the Malizia Explorer presentation by Boris and Lea at La Baleine, Nice

The Presence at Sea speakers from left to right: Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout, Boris Herrmann, Farah Obaidullah, Antje Boetius, and Ingo Narberhaus

Malizia Explorer

Presence at Sea event hosted by Team Malizia at La Baleine during UNOC

Pilot whales in the Mediterranean

Selfie time with "Her Deepness", Dr Sylvia Earle and Team Malizia

This early June, Team Malizia dropped anchor in the south of France not for a race, but for something even more critical: the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Throughout the week, our team engaged in key moments from taking part in a science congress and christening our new sailing research vessel, to speaking at high-level events and connecting with scientists and advocates. Every encounter, every conversation, reaffirmed why we do what we do and why urgent, collective action is more important than ever.

UNOC, Nice, France

Team Malizia in Nice: Sailing Science and Action into the Heart of the United Nations Ocean Conference

Malizia Explorer arrived in Monaco earlier today where she was christened by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II of Monaco

Malizia Explorer received a 4-star certification from the SEA Index®

Dr Sylvia Earle cutting the ribbon to christen the boat with a champagne bottle

Boris Herrmann, Pierre Casiraghi, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prof Dr Antje Boetius, Prof Dr Katja Matthes, Peter Eckhardt from Laeisz, and the crew of Malizia Explorer

World-renowned oceanographer, explorer, and Ocean ambassador Dr Sylvia Earle christened Malizia Explorer

Team Malizia proudly announces the christening of its sailing research vessel, Malizia Explorer, in a ceremony held this afternoon at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM). Pierre Casiraghi and Boris Herrmann were joined by the ship's godmother, Dr Sylvia Earle who christened the vessel with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. This event marks a significant milestone in the team's ongoing mission to advance Ocean science and climate action. 

Malizia - Explorer was christened earlier today by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II of Monaco

Malizia Explorer Christened in Monaco by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II

Boris Herrmann’s Research Vessel Malizia Explorer Christened in Monaco by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II

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