Discovering OceanXplorer, the exploration boat that stopped in Monaco
Prince Albert II visited this impressive scientific vessel.
While passing by the Quai Rainier III, on August 30 and 31, you may have noticed an imposing white boat, on which an electric blue helicopter was perched. This 87-meter-long vessel, passing through the Principality and called OceanXplorer, has the mission of welcoming on board scientists and videographers wishing to unlock the secrets of the seabed.
To celebrate the long-standing commitment between the Prince Albert II Foundation and the international non-profit organization OceanX, in terms of ocean research, education and marine conservation efforts, OceanXplorer has agreed a stopover in Monaco.
We had the chance to visit this former oil rig support vessel, bought by OceanX in 2018 and commissioned in 2020.
Robots to explore the seabed
Once the foot is on the bridge, we know with two yellow robots, fully immersible. Engines that can go up to 1,000 meters deep and are equipped to allow their passengers to dive safely and capture images that turn out to be invaluable to scientists studying.
” People who have studied the oceans their whole lives discover things they have never seen and have revelations », explains Vincent Pieribone, Scientific Manager and co-CEO of OceanX.
Once inside, we discover an extremely well-equipped structure in terms of science and technology. And for good reason: OceanXplorer can accommodate around forty scientists and videographers on board.
The latter can benefit from a whole arsenal of diving, but also use robots capable of descending – for some – up to 6,000 meters deep. A well-equipped control room – almost worthy of a sci-fi movie – monitors underwater operations on the big screen.
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Finally, the data reported by the divers is collected and analyzed in one of the ship’s four laboratories. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, these research spaces are crucial not only for the scientific community, but also for the general public, because the goal of OceanXplorer is also to raise public awareness of ocean protection as much as possible.
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Observe the sea from the air
After a maze of corridors and stairs – where the presence of a member of the crew is necessary if you don’t want to get lost – we come out, at the top of the ship, on the helideck. It is here that we can closely observe the little blue helicopter, which can accommodate up to six passengers and can even land on the water thanks to a system of buoys attached to the skids.
Because sometimes, the observation of marine species can be done from the air. Note that the ship remains capable of accommodating larger helicopters on board. OceanXplorer therefore uses all the means at its disposal to study the oceans insofar as, as Vincent Pieribone points out, ” 80% of the seabed is not yet mapped. »
Scientists can also discuss their discoveries and projects in the conference room. Also available to them is a “media center”, equipped with virtual reality headsets – signed Microsoft – which allows them to project 3D holograms and better imagine the different aquatic environments.
The visit ends in a final control zone, where we are received by Captain Roger. He and his crew monitor the smooth running of operations at sea and can even share videos of their latest explorations, at the stage of the Red Sea and the observation of its corals.
Prince Albert II, visiting
This short climb on Monegasque land was therefore a way not only to celebrate the partnership with the Prince Albert II Foundation, but also to pay tribute to the Princely Family, for whom scientific discovery and the preservation of marine ecosystems are priorities for a long time.
Prince Albert II was also invited to visit the impressive ship, alongside his nephew Pierre Casiraghi. ” OceanX is on a mission to make the ocean accessible to the world by supporting education and conservation efforts, and we are delighted to have the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation as a partner in our work. We are honored to partner with an organization with such a strong legacy of supporting the oceans and a strong commitment to our shared mission. We are grateful for the support of the Monegasque government and the incredible oceanologists who discover the secrets of our oceans every day. “said Vincent Pieribone.
For his part, Olivier Wenden, Vice-President and Managing Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, was also delighted with this collaboration: “ Welcoming the OceanXplorer research vessel to Monaco is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the essential link that exists, and must exist, between science and awareness. We are proud to partner with OceanX and to share with them a common goal, that of being mediators and ambassadors for science. Discovering the secret beauties hidden in our seas and revealing them to the general public through powerful images carrying scientific messages is crucial to better educate and to inspire action. »