Explorer superyacht SuRi to map ocean floor as part of two-year expedition

As part of a global project to help map the seabed, the 63.69-metre (208-foot) explorer superyacht SuRi will commence on a two-year expedition.

Cookson Adventures, experts in the luxury travel industry, organised the exploration mission and will facilitate the first public seven-seater submersible expedition. It aims to produce a full map of the ocean floor by 2030.

The two-year trip is described as a ’unique expedition opportunity’, as SuRi launch their U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 off a few of the most remote Pacific Islands, including the Solomon Islands, Cocos Island and Papua New Guinea.

With space for six passengers alongside sub pilot Ofer Etter, the sub also has the capability of reaching depths of up to 300 metres below sea level.

Guests aboard have the opportunity to explore known Second World War wrecks and discover marine wildlife among the Pacific reefs with the help of an expert such as a marine biologist..

While diving, the sub will be mounted with a multibeam echosounder. The resulting topography will contribute to SeaBed 2030, which is being organised by The Nippon Foundation and General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), producing a 3D map of the ocean floor by 2030.

The expedition will start in February 2020 in Papua New Guinea and end in July 2021 in Cocos Island.

Cookson has described the expedition, which is being driven by SuRi captain and general manager Juan Kogelenberg as “the ultimate underwater experience” and a world first for a trip of this kind.

Adam Sebba, chief executive of Cookson, stated, “This experience demonstrates one our greatest beliefs: you have to keep innovating to create unique experiences. And wherever we’re exploring in the Pacific, the adventures will be utterly personalised to match each client’s curiosities – creating stunning experiences for even the most seasoned explorers.”

Ketter, sub pilot at Cookson, added, “With less than five percent of the oceans explored, this is an opportunity for guests to be part of a wide range of world first discoveries.”

For more information, visit Cookson Adventures. Sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Yachting Pages delivered direct to your inbox every month.

Source: Boat International