A historic, three-masted ship is uniting scientists and innovators in San Diego. See why world leaders are gathering on its deck.
SAN DIEGO — There’s something special docked along San Diego’s waterfront this week — a historic Norwegian tall ship that’s turned Broadway Pier into a global hub for ocean innovation.
The Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a 150-year-old, three-masted sailing vessel from Norway, is serving as a floating venue for international conversations on the future of clean oceans and blue-tech solutions.
Leaders Unite for the Future of the Oceans
Local, state, and international leaders and experts in the blue economy packed the deck to discuss new technologies, maritime policy, and strategies for a more sustainable ocean future.
“It’s bringing together people that otherwise might not get together in a common interest for our common ocean,” said Terry Tamminen, former head of the California Environmental Protection Agency. “We all share the same ocean just like we share the same atmosphere.”
Tamminen says the oceans’ health is at a critical point.
“Seventy percent of the planet is covered by ocean, not land, and we’ve damaged it with greenhouse gases. We’ve obviously overfished it and polluted it with plastics, so those solutions are going to have to come from the same sources that created the problem,” he said.
Now serving as president and CEO of AltaSea, Tamminen oversees projects that span the entire “blue economy.”
“Everything from aquaculture to wave energy to underwater robotics to decarbonizing ports and shipping,” he said. “Anything to do with the blue economy, we want to help educate the next generation.”
A Journey That Inspired Collaboration
For Maritime Museum of San Diego CEO Christina Brophy, arriving in San Diego aboard the ship was an experience she won’t forget. She sailed for five days with more than 100 innovators, scientists, educators, and investors.
“This ship is remarkable, the crew is incredible,” she said. “We had whales jumping, and we had workshops on the boat with scientific experts. It was amazing.”
Brophy calls the Statsraad Lehmkuhl “an ambassador for the oceans,” noting that everyone on board takes part in working the vessel, from climbing the rigging to adjusting the sails.
“There’s nothing more team building than being at sea with a group of people,” she said.
A Global Mission Ahead
San Diego is just one stop on the ship’s worldwide tour. From here, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl will continue making dozens of port visits across the globe, sharing its message of ocean stewardship and promoting sustainable maritime innovation.
See the Ship for Yourself
The public is invited to step aboard this floating piece of history. Free deck tours will be offered this Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.