press release
Singapore, 7 October 2025 – Singapore has launched its first major deep-sea scientific expedition since the adoption of the United Nations Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. OceanX and the National University of Singapore (NUS) today set sail aboard the advanced research vessel OceanXplorer for a 24-day mission to the Monsoon Rise, a largely unexplored seamount chain in the eastern Indian Ocean.
The mission follows a ceremonial send-off on 4 October aboard the vessel at Marina at Keppel Bay attended by government leaders, scientists, and partners. It represents a milestone for Singapore’s growing role in global marine science and a critical step in building the evidence base needed to conserve ocean ecosystems while supporting the sustainable use of their resources for humanity’s benefit.
“This expedition demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, especially following the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement in 2023 and its imminent entry into force in January 2026. Such cutting-edge research is critical in building the scientific foundation needed to understand, protect, and preserve marine biodiversity. Singapore is committed to the inclusive implementation of the BBNJ Agreement which taps on the expertise of ASEAN and Small Island Developing States. The collaborative approach will contribute to capacity building, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine scientific research in the high seas,” said the Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
This expedition and the development of deep-sea research capacity in Singapore is supported by a $6 million grant from the National Research Foundation. Scientists from Singapore, ASEAN member states Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, and the Pacific Island state of Fiji will collaborate with OceanX’s global research team to map and document more than 17,000 square kilometres of deep-sea terrain. Using submersibles, remotely operated vehicles, and environmental DNA sampling, the mission will provide the first comprehensive baseline of biodiversity in the Monsoon Rise.
By bringing together scientific leaders from across Asia and the Pacific, the expedition is building a new foundation for deep-sea research in the region. It gives countries shared access to advanced exploration tools, strengthens their capacity to study and protect marine biodiversity, and creates a lasting framework for collaboration that can shape how the region understands and stewards its ocean for decades to come.
“OceanXplorer was designed as a platform to unite exploration, science, media, and education. Partnering with NUS on this mission allows us to expand knowledge of one of the last great unknowns of our planet and inspire people across Asia and the world to protect it,” said Mark Dalio, founder and co-CEO of OceanX.
Seamount ecosystems are increasingly recognized as hotspots of biodiversity and vital to ocean health yet remain some of the least documented areas of the planet. Establishing a scientific record of life in these regions is critical for shaping conservation and sustainable management strategies. “The Indian Ocean remains one of the least studied parts of our planet. This mission gives us an unprecedented opportunity to gather insights that can transform how we understand biodiversity in this region,” said Dr Vincent Pieribone, co-CEO and chief science officer of OceanX.
“For Singapore and NUS, this expedition is both a scientific breakthrough and a regional milestone. It strengthens our deep-sea research capacity, builds collaboration across ASEAN, and positions Singapore as a hub for international marine science,” said Professor Peter Ng, mission lead from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and Tropical Marine Science Institute at NUS.
Findings from the expedition will be shared through peer-reviewed publications, with specimens curated at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at NUS to support ongoing research by the global scientific community.
NUS and OceanX together are redefining what deep-sea exploration looks like in Asia. This mission will generate crucial scientific data, strengthen regional collaboration and build public understanding. It demonstrates that when science and storytelling converge, the ocean and humanity can thrive together.
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