Viking Expedition Ships Now Offer Real-Time Environmental DNA Sequencing
Viking Cruises has unveiled a groundbreaking scientific development within its expedition fleet, introducing real-time environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton. This innovation, supported by UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), has transformed the PCR lab aboard the Viking Octantis® into a state-of-the-art scientific facility.
Scientists participating in the Genomics at Sea Program (GASP) can now analyze the environmental impact on phytoplankton directly on the vessel, eliminating the need to send samples to remote laboratories. This achievement positions Viking as the first travel company to offer real-time environmental genetic sequencing on its ships.
Viking’s latest initiative underscores its dedication to integrating meaningful scientific research into every expedition voyage. The onboard advancements and collaboration with GASP build on Viking’s existing partnership with Fjord Phyto, a NASA-funded project by Scripps. This collaboration allows guests to engage in research and public education by collecting polar phytoplankton samples for genetic population studies.
“Ever since we created Viking Expeditions, it has always been our intention to help facilitate meaningful scientific work,” said Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Viking. “As we continue our third year of operating expeditions, we are pleased that we have been able to achieve our goal alongside esteemed scientific partners. By repurposing a technology that kept our guests safe in the height of the pandemic to gain valuable insights into our environment, we are providing a critical research opportunity for all of our future expedition voyages.”
Earlier this year, while the Viking Octantis was stationed in Antarctica, its PCR lab underwent a conversion to support real-time environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton. This season, Viking will host scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography aboard the ship in the Great Lakes. Additionally, the Viking Polaris®, the Octantis’s identical sister ship, will see its PCR lab similarly upgraded this summer to enhance research capabilities before both vessels return to Antarctica later this year.
Viking has established a premier scientific enrichment environment within an expedition context, thanks to collaborations with prestigious academic institutions. Each expedition features a multidisciplinary team of 36 experts, including visiting researchers from partner organizations. These specialists guide guests through significant scientific research, provide insightful interpretation during shore excursions, and deliver exceptional lectures.
Viking’s collaboration with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography focuses on addressing environmental challenges, while the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) aims to advance genomic science to deepen our understanding of the biological world.
“We are excited about the significant scientific potential represented by this collaboration,” said Andrew Allen, a professor of marine biology at Scripps and JCVI. “Our ability to understand how ocean plankton communities respond to shifting conditions, resulting from both natural variation and human influenced perturbation, is limited by sampling and observation. Through this work we will obtain a new and more comprehensive view of the genetic diversity of plankton, which will advance our ability to assess the biological response of the ocean to climate change and other stressors.”
In addition to welcoming researchers from Scripps and JCVI aboard voyages to Antarctica and the Great Lakes, Viking has also collaborated to provide scientists with essential equipment and training on land. This ensures proper preparation and efficient execution of sequencing activities during expeditions with Viking’s fleet.
“Oceanic phytoplankton absorbs 40 percent of the world’s carbon and provides 50 percent of the world’s atmospheric oxygen. Along with the world’s forests, they are the ‘planet’s lungs’ and every second breath we take comes from phytoplankton,” said Dr. Damon Stanwell-Smith, Head of Science at Viking. “We are proud to offer our scientific partners the ability to better understand these organisms that play a critical role in the Earth’s carbon cycle in these remote regions.”
In addition to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and UC San Diego, Viking’s scientific partners include:
* The University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI)
* The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL)
* Norwegian Institute of Water Research (NIVA)
* Oceanites
* The IUCN Species Survival Commission Species Monitoring Specialist Group
* Norwegian Polar Institute
Viking offers destination-focused expeditions to Antarctica, the Arctic, and North America’s Great Lakes with its Polar Class ships, the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. These 378-guest vessels, designed by the same team behind the acclaimed Viking Longships® and ocean ships, are built specifically for exploration. They are perfectly sized for safety and comfort, providing guests with extensive indoor and outdoor viewing areas to experience the breathtaking scenery of remote destinations.
Viking is committed to more than just exceptional travel experiences; it prioritizes environmental responsibility. From the beginning, the company has made decisions based on scientific correctness rather than political trends. Viking’s fleet includes environmentally friendly features such as diesel-electric river ships and energy-efficient ocean vessels with closed-loop exhaust scrubbers. The expedition ships set a new benchmark for sustainable travel, surpassing the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by nearly 38%. Additionally, Viking is developing a partial hybrid propulsion system using liquid hydrogen and fuel cells for its next generation of ocean ships, aiming for zero emissions while in port and at low speeds.
Viking focuses on creating enriching experiences for The Thinking Person, avoiding the approach of trying to cater to everyone. This philosophy has resonated with guests, earning Viking the top spot for Expeditions, Rivers, and Oceans in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
