Research Vessel Malizia Explorer Christened in Monaco by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II
by Team Malizia 7 Jun 06:06 NZST
6 June 2025
Malizia - Explorer was christened earlier today by Dr Sylvia Earle and Prince Albert II of Monaco © Marie Lefloch | Team Malizia
Team Malizia proudly announces the christening of its sailing research vessel, Malizia Explorer, in a ceremony held this afternoon at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM).
Pierre Casiraghi and Boris Herrmann were joined by the ship's godmother, Dr Sylvia Earle who christened the vessel with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. This event marks a significant milestone in the team's ongoing mission to advance Ocean science and climate action.
The journey of Malizia Explorer began with Team Malizia's commitment to their A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now! mission. Now, building upon the success of their IMOCA racing campaign with Malizia - Seaexplorer, the team envisioned a dedicated platform to enhance scientific research, Ocean communication and public engagement. Launched in April 2025 in Lorient, France, the Malizia Explorer research vessel is the embodiment of this vision, designed to sail to remote Ocean regions to carry out scientific missions and create a greater awareness of Ocean health and preservation.
The Christening Ceremony
The vessel's arrival in Monaco was met with enthusiasm and anticipation as it sailed from the One Ocean Science Congress in Nice to Monaco passing the iconic Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. The christening ceremony featured renowned oceanographer and explorer Dr Sylvia Earle, who officially named the vessel, and His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who underscored the Principality's dedication to marine conservation. After a short blessing by Padre Venard, a champagne bottle was ceremoniously broken on the vessel, symbolising good fortune for the vessel's voyages ahead. Young members of the Yacht Club de Monaco joined the event and stated their hopes for the vessel's future expeditions highlighting the importance of engaging future generations in protecting our Ocean.
Monaco's rich maritime heritage and commitment to Ocean conservation through the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation provided a fitting backdrop for the christening. The Principality's longstanding support for Team Malizia, scientific exploration and environmental protection aligns seamlessly with the mission of Malizia Explorer. The Yacht Club de Monaco, continues to champion initiatives that promote sustainable yachting and marine research. On this occasion, Malizia Explorer received a 4-star certification from the SEA Index®, the international benchmark for assessing the CO2 emissions of yachts over 24 metres, thanks to its scientific and impartial approach.
Launched in 2020 by the Y.C.M. and developed with Lloyd's Register, the SEA Index® is based on a rigorous, transparent and independent evaluation. The tool has since been enhanced, notably with the Lifecycle Emissions Calculator, a method for analysing CO2 emissions based on fuel choice, developed in collaboration with RINA. By obtaining this certification, Malizia Explorer joins a fleet of over 80 vessels already certified by the SEA Index®. Around twenty ports in the Mediterranean, as well as in the Seychelles, have already integrated this index into their management.
Skipper Boris Herrmann commented: "Today is a big milestone for us, to see the boat christened in Monaco is a step towards uniting sailors, scientists, and creatives to give the Ocean a voice. Our mission has always been to raise awareness about climate change and the Ocean. This research vessel is a natural progression of our team's mission, allowing us to expand our impact, explore new regions, collaborate with scientists, and spread the urgent message about Ocean health and climate change whilst collecting valuable Ocean data."
Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-president of the YCM and co-founder of Team Malizia echoed this sentiment stating: "This vessel is a true logistical platform made available to scientists. This initiative is fully in line with the spirit of Team Malizia, which is founded on two essential pillars: competition and environmental preservation."
Advancing Ocean Science
Malizia Explorer is poised to contribute to global research efforts aimed at understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments, including an OceanPack laboratory to collect vital oceanographic data on parameters such as salinity, temperature, oxygen, and CO2 levels. The vessel will soon carry a CTD Rosette onboard for water sampling, an essential tool for studying the impact of climate change on our Ocean.
Beyond data collection, Malizia Explorer serves as a platform for collaboration among scientists, educators, and communicators. The vessel will host research expeditions, educational programmes and outreach initiatives designed to bridge the gap between science and society. By bringing the stories of the Ocean to life, Team Malizia aims to inspire action and foster a deeper connection to our planet's marine environments.
"Malizia Explorer is hope in action.", said Sylvia Earle. "It's important that we hope to make change to protect the Ocean. But hope alone is not enough. You have to take the desire to make change and then do something about it. That's what this vessel is committed to doing. Part of a growing fleet, a growing initiative around the world to explore the Ocean, leading to caring for the Ocean. For most of our history, we've used the Ocean without understanding that the best use of the Ocean is what it does all the time on its own. Generating oxygen, capturing carbon, providing home for the greatest diversity and abundance of life that exists in the universe. But the Ocean is in trouble. The Malizia Explorer is evidence that people are really taking this moment in time to change the trajectory of decline to recovery and stability. So I am so honored to be part of the action. To be godmother of this vessel, to be part of the crew. And I invite everyone to either in their hearts or minds, or maybe some can actually be part of the crew, to make change. Certainly, whether it's with the Malizia Explorer or looking in the mirror figuring out what's your superpower? What can you do to make a difference right now?"
Upcoming Endeavors
Following the christening, Malizia Explorer will participate in the Ocean Wonders Parade to Nice on 8th June ahead of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). As they attend various events at UNOC, Boris Herrmann and the team will share insights and highlight the team's upcoming missions whilst engaging with global stakeholders in Ocean conservation. Future expeditions are planned for the Mediterranean, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, focusing on areas of high scientific interest and public engagement.
After sailing in the Mediterranean and completing a whale research project, the boat will head south to a region that offers both rich scientific value and strong opportunities for public engagement, Malizia Explorer will carry out its first main mission in the Antarctic. HSH Prince Albert II confirmed this commitment: "Both poles are extremely sensitive and fragile areas, to better understand them we need better science and more science which is why the Malizia Explorer is so important. The sailing boat will be able to reach remote polar areas and carry out key research." In the years to come, further expeditions will take place around the world, including in the Arctic. As the team starts this journey, they are actively seeking crew members, research projects, and partners to join these exciting missions.
The event was attended by notable figures, including:
- HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco
- Dr Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer and Explorer
- Peter Thomson OF, United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean and former President of the UN General Assembly
- Prof. Dr Katja Matthes, Director of GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
- Prof. Dr Antje Boetius, Marine Biologist and Ex-Director of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
- Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Yacht Club de Monaco and Co-founder of Team Malizia
- Boris Herrmann, Skipper and Co-founder of Team Malizia
- Representatives from partner organisations such as the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and Reederei F. Laeisz