It has been a week filled with extraordinary experiences in the High Arctic. We have encountered polar bears, seals, tiny polar cod and the remarkable birdlife that survives in this remote and demanding environment. Every day has brought something new and a growing appreciation of how vast, beautiful and fragile the Arctic Ocean is.
Today, we are reaching 85°N, the northernmost point of this expedition. From here, Oden will begin turning south towards Spitsbergen. The journey north may be ending, but the work continues. As we make our way back, we will continue mapping the seabed and collecting data along potential routes for Polar Connect.

The surveys are revealing a dramatic underwater landscape along the Gakkel Ridge, including submarine volcanoes that we have mapped. The Gakkel Ridge is a volcanically active mid-ocean ridge, hidden beneath the ice-covered Central Arctic Ocean. Understanding this complex geology is essential when assessing suitable routes for a future submarine fibre-optic cable connecting Europe, North America and East Asia through the Arctic.

Throughout the expedition, we have also held a continuous series of workshops with cable-laying experts, geologists and Oden’s ice-management specialists. Bringing these different areas of expertise together on board allows us to compare the seabed data with practical experience of cable installation and operations in heavy sea ice. These discussions are helping us understand not only where a cable could be laid, but also how it could be installed, operated and maintained in one of the world’s most challenging environments.

Some of the most memorable moments have also been the simplest: standing on deck and watching Oden break through the sea ice, observing the changing Arctic landscape, or following the daily work of the ship’s crew and expedition team. Their expertise, commitment and calm professionalism make everything we do here possible.

Reaching 85°N is an important milestone, but Polar Connect is a long-term journey. Every kilometre mapped, every measurement collected and every expert discussion brings us one step closer to identifying the best route for Polar Connect across the Arctic Ocean.
For now, we turn south with new data, unforgettable experiences and an even deeper respect for the High Arctic.

Per Nihlén
Chair of the Polar Connect Advisory Board