OceanQuest, a Saudi nonprofit foundation, has announced the appointment of Dr. Martin Visbeck as chief executive. A globally recognized leader in ocean science, Visbeck brings more than 30 years of expertise in advancing the understanding of the ocean’s critical role within the Earth system.
Visbeck’s contributions span ocean discovery, research, governance, and technological innovation. His expertise is widely sought by scientific organizations, national governments, and the UN, underscoring his profound influence on global ocean policy.
“OceanQuest’s mission is to illuminate the ocean like never before — driving discovery, advancing scientific understanding, and supporting human progress,” Visbeck said. “By investing in next-generation research vessels, robotics, and advanced sensing technologies, we are strengthening the global deep ocean exploration ecosystem.
“Our success depends on international collaboration, uniting nations to explore, understand, safeguard and sustainably utilize the ocean’s vast potential. The launch of OceanQuest marks a significant milestone in this shared journey, as we push the boundaries of exploration and make a lasting impact on the future of our planet.”
Visbeck’s pioneering work in ocean science, observation and robotics has transformed data collection, discoveries and understanding in remote and challenging regions. His advocacy for digital twin technologies has enabled the development of virtual replicas of ocean systems, allowing simulation and prediction of ocean changes — critical for understanding the ocean’s role in sustainable development.
OceanQuest is dedicated to advancing ocean science and accelerating deep ocean exploration. The foundation’s goals are aligned with those of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — fostering sustainable development, innovation and global collaboration, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in ocean research and conservation.
OceanQuest is set to launch a series of joint expeditions in the coming years, with a focus on studying seamounts — vital underwater ecosystems that play a critical role in the ocean’s health. These missions will shed light on the biology, chemistry, physics, and geology of these ecosystems, expanding our understanding of their importance to humanity.
