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

Planet Hero Award 2022

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.

Community Voting Planet Hero Award 2025

Jetzt abstimmen! Community Voting für den Planet Hero Award 2025

Jetzt abstimmen! Der Community Voting für den Planet Hero Award 2025 ist gestartet

"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

Boris Herrmann (GER), Team Malizia's skipper for The Ocean Race Europe 2025

We’re kicking off 10 days of ocean action in Nice and Monaco! 🌊 Team Malizia is on a mission to protect our ocean, and this week we’re turning up the volume. With Malizia Explorer freshly arrived in Nice, we’re gearing up for a packed schedule of events, conferences, and moments that matter. From the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), plus the official christening of our sailing research vessel in Monaco and Boris being named an Ocean Ambassador, it’s a milestone week for our A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now mission. Discover what’s ahead and why this week is one of the highlights of our year.

Team Malizia Heads to UNOC — 10 Days for the Ocean!

Boris Herrmann onboard the new Malizia Explorer sailing research vessel ©️ Antoine Auriol | Team Malizia

The Malizia Explorer announcement was made by Boris Herrmann (fifth from the left) at the German Ocean Conference on 6 May 2025

Malizia Explorer was launched in April in Lorient, France

Malizia Explorer will carry out scientific mission globally

Boris Herrmann’s Team Malizia is upscaling their climate research efforts with a new sailboat, Malizia Explorer, dedicated to science, communication and outreach. This new project builds on the team’s core mission: while continuing to race and collect scientific data with Malizia - Seaexplorer, the team will expand their efforts with Malizia Explorer to carry out dedicated research expeditions. Building on the success of their A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! mission, the team is calling for collaborators, scientific projects, and partners to support this bold initiative. Already on board as a key partner is Reederei F. Laeisz, along with renowned scientific institutions AWI, GEOMAR, Hereon, and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.

Our Team Malizia is upscaling its climate research efforts with a new sailboat, Malizia Explorer, dedicated to science, communication and outreach. This new project builds on the team’s core mission: while continuing to race and collect scientific data with Malizia - Seaexplorer, we will expand our efforts with Malizia Explorer to carry out dedicated research expeditions. Building on the success of our A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now! mission, we are calling for collaborators, scientific projects, and partners to support this bold initiative. Already on board as a key partner is Reederei F. Laeisz, along with renowned scientific institutions AWI, GEOMAR, Hereon, and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.

Team Malizia Sets Sail On A New Mission With Malizia Explorer Research Vessel

Team Malizia Sets Sail On A New Mission With Their Malizia Explorer Research Vessel

Jetzt bewerben! Planet Hero Award 2025

Zusammen mit unserem Partner Zurich Gruppe Deutschland suchen wir die Planet Heroes 2025. 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 2025!

Many fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, do not specifically target a single species but indiscriminately catch a wide range of marine life. Here officials in the Pacific inspect illegal bycatch. 

On New Years Eve, Boris saw numerous boats sailing under asian flags off the coast of Argentina. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg: countless vessels turn off their AIS systems to go undetected. 

Squid Jiggers lure their prey to the surface with bright lights - ironically whilst often "going dark" on the AIS system. 

The Argentinian Navy watches as a vessel leaves the EEZ of Argentina and enders Mile 201. 

Earlier in the race, on New Year's Eve, Boris Herrmann was sailing along the coast of Argentina after rounding Cape Horn and leaving the Pacific behind him just days before. After nearly a month in the Southern Ocean, with no other humans in sight, and with the final sprint up the Atlantic to Les Sables d’Olonne ahead of him before being reunited with “society,” Boris was surprised to discover a different kind of civilisation on the Ocean: hundreds of fishing vessels, equipped with miles and miles of nets, lines and search systems, turning the sea into an uneven battleground between marine life and the relentless pursuit of catch.

Mile 201: Where exploitation thrives and marine life dies

Push, Push, Push

Not long now, and Boris will arrive in Les Sables d’Olonne after an extraordinary 24,000 (and a few extra!) nautical miles around the globe as part of the Vendée Globe. Throughout his journey, we’ve celebrated his highs, supported him during his lows, and spotlighted uplifting stories from the regions he sailed past. In this final stretch, the Superredaktion brings you one last week of good news  - a welcome reprieve from the usual headlines. Enjoy!

Climate Hope Week 10

Wind turbines in Uruguay.

Facing challenges head-on and not backing down. Boris climbing the mast.

As Boris Herrmann sails non-stop around the world in the Vendée Globe, we take a moment to focus on the regions he passes and share stories of hope and progress. In a world where bad news often dominates, highlighting positive change reminds us that solutions are possible and action matters. This news is is brought to you by the Superredaktion and Team Malizia - because hope fuels action, and action brings change.

Climate Hope Week 9

Golden kelp, South Australia

You see me, now you see me not. Seastar populations on the decline! 

Purple Sea Urchins decimating kelp forests

As our skipper Boris Herrmann sails along the southern tip of South America and must try to resist the urge of sailing to land for a little break from the relentless Ocean, we want to highlight a fascinating ecosystem growing beneath the surface: kelp.

Why Kelp Is In Need Of Help

Deforestation of Brazilian rainforests has gone back by nearly 1/3 in comparison to last year. 

Boris after the Cape Horn rounding

As Boris Herrmann sails non-stop around the world in the Vendée Globe, we take a moment to focus on the regions he passes and share stories of hope and progress. In a world where bad news often dominates, highlighting positive change reminds us that solutions are possible and action matters. This news is is brought to you by the Superredaktion and Team Malizia—because hope fuels action, and action brings change.

Climate Hope Week 8

A mangrove in the Malizia Mangrove Park

📍 Malizia Mangrove Park, Philippines
February 2024


 Malizia Mangrove Park, Philippines February 2024 

In partnership with the Mama Earth Foundation, the Malizia Mangrove Park was created in the Philippines to combat the devastating loss of mangroves—half of which disappeared over the past century. Teaming up with Davao Oriental State University and the local community, the park initially aimed to plant one million mangroves. Thanks to generous donations, we already surpassed two million mangroves and are now aiming for five. But how do their journeys unfold—from a simple click of support to a thriving mangrove in the Philippines?

How Your Donation Turns Into A Mangrove Growing On The Coast Of The Philippines

Boris receives his UN Ocean Decade Team T-Shirt

Gathering of members of the German UN Ocean Decade Committee 2024

A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! - We carry our mission on the sails of our IMOCA

This new year kicks off an exciting chapter for Team Malizia, as we look forward to our skipper Boris Herrmann finishing his second Vendée Globe and our team participating in the upcoming The Ocean Race Europe 2025 this summer. It also marks the one-year anniversary of our skipper being named an ambassador for the German Committee of the United Nations’ Decade of the Ocean, and our Head of Sustainability and Partnerships, Cornelius Eich, joining the committee as a member. What is the Ocean Decade exactly and why is 2025 an important year?

Happy 2025 Everyone! This new year kicks off an exciting chapter for Team Malizia, as we look forward to our skipper Boris Herrmann finishing his second Vendée Globe and our team participating in the upcoming The Ocean Race Europe 2025 this summer. It also marks the one-year anniversary of our skipper being named an ambassador for the German Committee of the United Nations’ Decade of the Ocean, and our Head of Sustainability and Partnerships, Cornelius Eich, joining the committee as a member. What is the Ocean Decade exactly and why is 2025 an important year?

The UN Ocean Decade: Charting a Sustainable Future for Our Ocean

Krill eat phytoplankton and excrete faecal matter that sink straight to the bottom of the ocean, locking away CO2 for years. 

Krill swarms can be seen from space!

The Southern Ocean has an abundance of marine life: whales, seals, sea birds and penguins are generally animals that come to mind – not the small crustacean krill. However krill play a vital role in the Southern Ocean’s ecosystem and a key part in climate change.

Krill: Small But Creating A Big Impact

Krill: Small With A Big Impact

Indigenous communities are now equitably involved in land use in Guatemala 

Climate Hope Week 7

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