Oceanwide Expeditions

Oceanwide Expeditions. Founded in 1993 by Dutch entrepreneur Michel van Gessel, the company specializes in expedition-style voyages to the world's most remote polar and maritime regions. Operating from its headquarters in Vlissingen, it utilizes a fleet of ice-strengthened vessels to provide immersive, small-group adventures focused on wildlife, wilderness, and science. The company is recognized for its commitment to low-impact tourism and facilitating active scientific research in fragile ecosystems like Antarctica and the Arctic.

History

The company was established in the early 1990s, capitalizing on a growing interest in adventure travel to the polar regions. Its founder, Michel van Gessel, leveraged his maritime experience to initiate voyages to Svalbard and other Arctic destinations. A significant early milestone was the acquisition and conversion of the MV *Plancius*, a former Royal Netherlands Navy and Dutch Oceanographic Institute research vessel, into a comfortable expedition ship in 2009. This set a precedent for utilizing robust, purpose-converted vessels. Over the decades, the company expanded its itineraries beyond the Arctic Circle to include the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and various North Atlantic destinations like Jan Mayen and Greenland.

Fleet and Destinations

The fleet consists of several ice-class vessels, each with a distinct character and capacity, including the MV *Plancius*, MV *Ortelius*, and the smaller sailing vessel SV *Noorderlicht*. These ships are designed for navigating icy waters and provide access to remote locations. Primary destinations are concentrated in the Arctic, encompassing voyages around Svalbard, Franz Josef Land, East Greenland, and the Northwest Passage. In the Southern Ocean, expeditions frequently visit the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, South Georgia, and the South Shetland Islands. Off-season itineraries may include the British Isles, Norway's coast, and journeys to West Africa or South America.

Expedition Style and Activities

Voyages emphasize an active, exploratory style far removed from conventional cruising. The daily program is flexible, dictated by weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings. Core activities include multiple daily landings via Zodiac inflatable boats, allowing guests to set foot on remote shores for guided walks led by expert naturalists and historians. Onboard, an extensive lecture program covers topics like polar biology, glaciology, and the history of polar exploration, often referencing figures like Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen. Depending on the destination and vessel, optional adventure activities such as kayaking, camping on the ice, and snowshoeing are offered to enhance the immersive experience.

Environmental and Scientific Focus

Operating in pristine environments like Antarctica mandates a strong environmental ethos. The company is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and adheres to strict biosecurity and wildlife disturbance protocols. A key differentiator is its active support for scientific research, often hosting researchers from institutions like the Alfred Wegener Institute or University of Groningen. Ships serve as platforms for citizen science projects, where guests can assist in collecting data on marine mammals, seabird populations, or microplastic sampling, contributing to global databases such as those managed by the Polar Citizen Science Collective.

Booking and Logistics

Expeditions are booked directly or through specialized travel agencies worldwide, with voyages typically scheduled during the polar summer seasons. The company caters to an international clientele, with onboard communication in English. Practical preparation is emphasized, with detailed pre-departure information covering essential gear, physical fitness recommendations for activities, and travel logistics to gateway cities like Longyearbyen or Ushuaia. The intimate scale of the ships fosters a communal atmosphere, with all meals, accommodations, and guided excursions included in the voyage fare.