Statsraad Lehmkuhl back home in Bergen

The tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl returned to Bergen on April 15. The homecoming marked the end of the One Ocean Expedition, a 20-month circumnavigation of the globe, which was part of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Research. The goal has been to collect research data, create awareness, and share knowledge about the important role of the sea for a sustainable future.

Statsraad Lehmkuhl sailed almost 60,000 nautical miles (about 68,351 miles) and visited 37 ports in 24 countries.

King Harald was present at the homecoming celebration, and the people of Bergen came out en masse to take part in the celebration,

Statsraad Lehkuhl, considered by many to be the most beautiful tall ship in the world, sailed into Byfjorden, as cadets from the Norwegian Naval Academy sang from mast and rigging.

The ship docked at Bryggen, Bergen’s historic wharf with its wooden buildings, at noon on April 15. Starting a 10 a.m., large screens were set up on the stage at the wharf for the crowds to follow the ship’s entry, complete with featured guest appearances and video clips from the expedition.

Once Statsraad Lehmkuhl docked, King Harald went on board to welcome the crew home to Norway and to inspect the ship.

For those unable to attend the ceremony, a video  has been made available on Bergen Municipality’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/watch?v=IGjM5QjneUE.