Viking Expedition Ship Aids in Discovery of New Penguin Colony in Antarctica

In a significant contribution to Antarctic research, Viking’s expedition ship, Viking Octantis, played a pivotal role in the discovery of a previously unknown penguin colony. This discovery occurred during the cruise line’s third season of Antarctic expeditions, underscoring Viking’s commitment to supporting scientific exploration.

In January, while conducting a visual and thermal aerial survey near Astrolabe Island, a small outpost along the Antarctic Peninsula, researchers onboard Viking Octantis were updating data on a known chinstrap penguin colony for the first time since 1987. During their survey, they spotted an additional group of chinstrap penguins on Diaz Rock, identifying a new colony unbeknownst to the scientific community. This finding, facilitated by Viking’s support, is poised to add valuable insights into penguin populations in Antarctica, with the researchers planning to share their discovery in a forthcoming scientific paper.

Viking’s partnership with Oceanites, a nonprofit focused on Antarctic penguin monitoring, along with collaborations with other prestigious institutions like the Norwegian Polar Institute and the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, exemplifies the cruise line’s dedication to contributing to important environmental research. Viking not only provides critical logistical support, including transportation and equipment, but also engages directly in the scientific process. The cruise line supplied the thermal cameras used in the recent penguin survey, highlighting its active role in facilitating groundbreaking research.

Beyond penguin monitoring, Viking’s commitment to science and exploration has already yielded remarkable findings. During its inaugural Antarctic season in 2021-22, passengers aboard Viking’s submarines observed the rare giant phantom jellyfish, leading to the publication of Viking’s first scientific paper in the Polar Research journal in January 2023.

Torstein Hagen, Viking’s chairman, expressed the company’s goal of merging exploration with scientific discovery. Viking’s state-of-the-art expedition vessels, equipped with advanced science labs, and its partnerships with leading research institutions underscore this vision. As Viking continues to navigate the icy waters of Antarctica, it remains a vital ally to the scientific community, promising more critical research opportunities and discoveries in the future.