The 63.69 metre explorer superyacht SuRi is to undertake a two-year expedition as part of a worldwide project to help map the seabed.
The exploration mission, which has been organised by Cookson Adventures, will facilitate the first public seven-seater submersible expedition.
Described as a “unique expedition opportunity”, the two-year trip will see SuRi launch its U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 off some of the most remote Pacific islands, including the Solomon Islands, Cocos Island and Papua New Guinea.
Capable of reaching depths of up to 300 metres below sea level, the sub has space for six passengers alongside sub pilot Ofer Ketter.
Friends and family can discover marine wildlife among the Pacific reefs and known Second World War wrecks with the help of an expert, such as a marine biologist, if desired.
While diving, the sub will be mounted with a multibeam echosounder. The resulting topography will contribute to Seabed 2030, the mission to create a complete 3D map of the ocean floor by 2030. This is the first opportunity that members of the public will have to take part in Seabed 2030, which is being organised by The Nippon Foundation and General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO).
The expedition will begin in February 2020 in Papua New Guinea and end in July 2021 in Cocos Island.
Cookson has described the expedition, which will be led by SuRi captain and general manager Juan Koegelenberg, as “the ultimate underwater experience” and a world first for a trip of this kind.
Speaking about the expedition, Cookson chief executive Adam Sebba said: “This experience demonstrates one of 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 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.”