Yacht and ocean experts convene to discuss the power of collaboration to advance marine research

At the close of this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, a group of experts in yachting and ocean exploration gathered to discuss the power of collaboration within the yachting industry to advance marine research. In the historic Salon Churchill of Hotel de Paris, where notable historical figures such as Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, and Winston Churchill himself have met to make global change, today’s Ocean changemakers discussed the urgency of research and conservation.

ICON Yachts, Proteus Ocean Group, The International SeaKeepers Society, and Cookson Adventures committed to taking concrete steps to advance ocean exploration. ICON Yachts' vessels will serve as platforms to facilitate discoveries, pushing the boundaries of understanding the planet’s vast oceans. The shared focus on leading the charge in advancing marine exploration and conservation efforts for generations to come served as a reminder that, just as those who came before made bold strides, the exploration of our blue planet requires the same boldness and unity of purpose.

Micca Ferrero, owner of ICON Yachts, moderated a panel discussion featuring Aquanaut, Oceanographic Explorer, and Founder of Proteus Ocean Group, Fabien Cousteau; Chairman of The International SeaKeepers Society, Jay Wade; and Managing Director of Cookson Adventures, Nick Davies. The conversation was structured to examine the ocean vertically, from surface level to its depths. The panel addressed the growing appetite among clients for exploration-focused yachting experiences.

“We’ve seen a growing interest in ocean exploration,” said Davies. “Owners and charterers are looking to discover more remote regions, outside of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. There is a strong desire to travel with more purpose and meaning. That now often involves engaging with scientists and local conservationists so we can immerse clients into what is happening on the ground. For example, we have a couple honeymooning in Papua New Guinea and have just organised a month-long expedition along Greenland’s coast. We’re using these yachts as platforms to truly explore, which leads us into interesting conversations on how we can more effectively combine private adventure travel with advancing marine science.”

Jay Wade added: “SeaKeepers harnesses the immense power of the private yachting community to drive critical ocean research while these vessels venture into some of the most remote and uncharted regions of the world. Through our DISCOVERY Yacht Fleet, we provide scientists access to areas that are rarely explored – the farthest shores, the deepest waters – opening new opportunities to crucial marine research. With partners like ICON Yachts, Cookson Adventures, and Fabien Cousteau, we are poised to lead the next wave of ocean exploration and conservation. Now is the time to take bold steps together to advance the future of ocean science.”

Fabien Cousteau called the group to action by stating, “If someone doesn’t take up the mantle to lead the charge—and by this I mean all of us—then we are not going to get anywhere with the traditional mentality. We have to go out there and explore. We have to look at the science and research and the data to create the solutions and to implement them, not just talk about it. Talking is great, stories are wonderful. They are meant to inspire. But, let’s take that next step.”

Following the panel discussion, an equally thought-provoking Q&A session was led by Paulo Veiga, Minister of Maritime Economy in Cabo Verde. He posed the question: “What if aliens came from the sea?” He challenged why human beings are so eager to explore beyond the atmosphere, investing time and vast resources into space exploration, while neglecting our own ocean. Ninety-five percent of the ocean remains unknown, and Veiga called for the group not to forget the depths of our planet that are waiting to be discovered, with some of the greatest insights lying right beneath the surface.

As the discussion concluded in the historic Salon Churchill, the collaboration between these leaders highlighted the need for bold action and unity in the exploration of our oceans. With their shared commitment, they are set to drive forward marine exploration and conservation efforts for future generations.

For more information and media inquiries, please contact:

Rebecca Budel
Marketing & PR Manager, ICON Yachts
rebecca.budel@iconyachts.eu

Tamsin Graham
Head of PR & Communications, Cookson Adventures
tamsin@cooksonadventures.com

Gill Rodrigues
Director of International Partnerships, The International SeaKeepers Society
gill@seakeepers.org

Debora Marrocchino
Head of Marketing & Communications, Proteus Ocean Group
deboram@proteusoceangroup.com

ABOUT ICON YACHTS
ICON Yachts is a highly specialised shipyard focused on yacht conversion and refit projects, with an established leadership position in the field of explorer yachts and purpose-built vessels. ICON Yachts embarks on journeys beyond the ordinary, where exploration, scientific research, and sustainability converge to redefine the meaning of purpose-built yachting. The company’s identity is built on three core pillars: exploration, philanthropy, and sustainability, guiding its mission to create exceptional vessels that provide unforgettable experiences. Learn more at iconyachts.eu.

ABOUT PROTEUS OCEAN GROUP
Proteus Ocean Group (POG) is a for-profit social enterprise building a global smart ocean platform. The platform includes subsea habitats, ocean monitoring systems, blue carbon management tools, and a robust media business to amplify ocean storytelling, alongside a venture division driving strategic investments to accelerate innovation. Learn more at proteusoceangroup.com.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SEAKEEPERS SOCIETY
The International SeaKeepers Society promotes oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. The society enables the yachting community to contribute to marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues. Learn more at seakeepers.org.

ABOUT COOKSON ADVENTURES
Founded in 2009, Cookson Adventures has pioneered the concept of world-firsts in luxury adventure travel. The company combines luxury with exploration, from manned submersible dives in Antarctica to conservation efforts in the Galápagos Islands. With a commitment to carbon neutrality, Cookson Adventures crafts extraordinary journeys for clients through a global network of experts, including scientists and conservationists. Learn more at cooksonadventures.com.

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