OceanQuest: A New Era in Ocean Exploration
On April 23, 2025, Saudi Arabia celebrated the official launch of
OceanQuest, a new nonprofit foundation dedicated to the exploration of the deep ocean. Hosted in
Jeddah, the foundation embarks on a mission to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in marine sciences, and encourage international cooperation while engaging the public in the mysteries of the sea.
Vision and Purpose
The establishment of OceanQuest aligns with the goals outlined in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, where it plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and sustainable development related to ocean exploration. The foundation is committed to significantly boosting research and development funding, pledging an impressive
3 billion SAR by 2050, alongside supporting over
150 researchers annually. This hefty financial commitment underlines Saudi Arabia's ambition to protect
30% of marine habitats, ensuring a coherent approach to conservation.
Key Initiatives
OceanQuest's key objectives focus on leading a series of collaborative expeditions targeting underwater mountains and ecosystems that are essential for maintaining ocean health. These expeditions promise to yield novel insights into the biology, chemistry, physics, and geology of the deep sea, ultimately enriching global understanding and aiding conservation initiatives.
Moreover, the foundation plans to utilize a small fleet of state-of-the-art research vessels equipped with advanced deep-sea robotics, enabling explorations of previously unreachable depths. One of the cutting-edge elements of OceanQuest’s innovation program includes the creation of
digital twins of underwater mountains—real-time virtual models that provide critical information for decision-making, conservation efforts, and sustainable usage of ocean resources.
Leadership and Expertise
To spearhead this ambitious initiative, the foundation has appointed
Dr. Martin Visbeck as CEO. With over three decades of experience in ocean sciences, Dr. Visbeck is a globally recognized expert whose background encompasses research, policy development, and technological innovation in marine sciences. Under his guidance, OceanQuest is poised to accelerate deep-sea exploration, pioneer new technologies, and heighten global engagement with our oceans.
Commitment to Exploration
The essence of OceanQuest lies not just in scientific research but in fostering a broader public engagement with ocean exploration. As it embarks on this journey, OceanQuest aims to unveil the wonders of the ocean, sharing its discoveries with people across the globe. The foundation, in collaboration with its international partners, aspires to open a new chapter in ocean exploration and knowledge sharing, setting forth initiatives that elucidate the secrets of the sea for the benefit of humanity.
Headquartered at the
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, OceanQuest invites researchers, conservationists, and the general public to join in its mission. For more insights and information, visit
OceanQuest Foundation and partake in this groundbreaking journey of ocean discovery.
Final Thoughts
The launching of OceanQuest marks a significant step forward in marine research, with a strategic focus on innovation and sustainability. As the foundation develops and unfolds its programs, it promises to transform the landscape of ocean exploration and deepen humanity's connection to the majesty of our oceans.