Malizia Explorer Joins Under The Pole in Antarctic Mission

15th January 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Research yachts Malizia Explorer and WHY meet in Antarctic waters for a joint science and conservation mission Credit: Franck Gazzola / Under The Pole

Malizia Explorer and WHY, operated by Under The Pole, are working together along the Western Antarctic Peninsula on a joint science and outreach mission. The expedition brings together sailors, scientists, divers and climate advocates from across Europe and beyond.

Among those on board are Under The Pole co-founders Emmanuelle and Ghislain Bardout, scientists Lorenzo Bramanti and Dr Léa Olivier, and climate activists Luisa Neubauer and Camille Étienne.

The vessels reunited on 11 January after crossing the Drake Passage from Ushuaia. WHY has been operating in the region since early December as part of the DEEPLIFE scientific programme. Malizia Explorer has now arrived to support oceanographic research and provide logistics for deep diving operations.

The DEEPLIFE programme focuses on mesophotic ecosystems, found between 30 and 200 metres below the surface. These little-known habitats include Marine Animal Forests, formed by corals, gorgonians and sponges. They are recognised as vulnerable by conservation bodies and face pressure from climate change and fishing activity.

Lorenzo Bramanti, scientific co-director of DEEPLIFE, said the project aims to improve protection of deep marine ecosystems. Scientific work aboard Malizia Explorer is led by Dr Léa Olivier of the Alfred Wegener Institute. Her research examines links between ocean structure, biological activity and carbon flows. The data will help improve understanding of ocean–climate interactions in Antarctic waters.

Malizia Explorer will complete two one-month voyages, rotating crews and scientists during the summer season. Alongside research, the expedition includes a public awareness campaign known as “Global Warning”.

Live communications, storytelling and education projects will connect the mission with audiences worldwide. The partnership builds on earlier Antarctic research by the Malizia Explorer at the Danger Islands. That work provided new data to support climate modelling and conservation policy.

The crews will continue joint operations as the Antarctic summer progresses.

Published in Marine Science

Tagged under

About The Author

Afloat.ie Team

Email The Author

Afloat.ie is Ireland's dedicated marine journalism team.

Have you got a story for our reporters? Email us here.

We've got a favour to ask

More people are reading Afloat.ie than ever thanks to the power of the internet but we're in stormy seas because advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news sites, we haven't put up a paywall because we want to keep our marine journalism open.

Afloat.ie is Ireland's only full-time marine journalism team and it takes time, money and hard work to produce our content.

So you can see why we need to ask for your help.

If everyone chipped in, we can enhance our coverage and our future would be more secure. You can help us through a small donation. Thank you.

You might also want to read...

Marine Science Perhaps it is the work of the Irish research vessel RV Celtic Explorer out in the Atlantic Ocean that best highlights the essential nature of marine research, development and sustainable management, through which Ireland is developing a strong and well-deserved reputation as an emerging centre of excellence. From Wavebob Ocean energy technology to aquaculture to weather buoys and oil exploration these pages document the work of Irish marine science and how Irish scientists have secured prominent roles in many European and international marine science bodies.