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Saudi Arabia’s OceanQuest is turning curiosity into action. The newly-launched not-for-profit foundation, based at KAUST in Thuwal, aims to redefine deep-ocean exploration and elevate Saudi scientific leadership on the global stage. Its mission: accelerate discovery, pioneer breakthrough technologies, and foster international cooperation, all while engaging the public and nurturing the next generation of marine scientists.
At the helm is Professor Dr Martin Visbeck, a renowned oceanographer with nearly 40 years of experience. His career spans high-impact ocean-climate research, leadership in international initiatives like the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and a strong focus on using tech and collaboration to unlock the ocean’s hidden potential.
Now, as CEO of OceanQuest, he’s setting out to drive innovation while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and expanding the country’s role in global marine science. Here, we chat with him about the organisation’s vision and wider goals.
What made you want to become CEO of OceanQuest, and how has your background in ocean science shaped your vision?
OceanQuest’s vision was truly inspiring to me, and I saw it as a unique opportunity to lead an organisation committed to unveiling the wonders of the deep ocean for the benefit of humanity.
With almost 40 years of experience in ocean science, including more than 20 ocean expeditions and several international research projects, I’ve developed a deep passion for discovery and global collaboration.
As CEO, I’m focused on accelerating exploration while championing equitable partnerships that ensure scientific innovation benefits everyone, everywhere.
OceanQuest aims to explore the deep ocean and promote global teamwork. How will you balance science with regional needs, especially in the Gulf?
OceanQuest’s mission is based on the idea that deep-ocean science should be globally collaborative but locally relevant. As a Saudi not-for-profit foundation, we’re in a unique position to explore deep ocean regions from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and Tropical and South Atlantic, while simultaneously developing local scientific leadership in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.
We prioritise elevating regional voices through hands-on roles in international missions like the recent Africa expedition, targeted capacity-building efforts, and regional partnerships. For example, earlier this year, three Saudi early-career ocean professionals joined international teams aboard the OceanXplorer. This shows how we enable local talent to contribute meaningfully to global deep-ocean dialogue — not just close to home but across international waters.
Your work with OceanX featured advanced tech like robotics, AI, and digital twins. How are these tools changing deep sea research?
The deep ocean is one of the most challenging environments to study — vast, dark, high-pressure, and remote. That’s why breakthroughs in robotics, AI, and smart sensors are transforming what’s possible.
At OceanQuest, we’ve taken a technology-first approach focused on seamounts — undersea mountains that make up just 5 per cent of the deep ocean yet are essential to biodiversity, carbon cycling, and marine mixing. These ecosystems also have untapped biomedical potential, yet most remain uncharted and unprotected.
We use robotic fleets with advanced sensors to scan seamounts, collect high-res environmental data, and capture real-time imagery. That data feeds into digital twins — AI-powered, dynamic models that simulate how ecosystems function and respond to environmental pressures.
These tools reduce the need for constant human presence, make research more scalable, and help scientists and policymakers test conservation strategies virtually. They’re not just helping us explore more, but also helping build the global baseline data needed to protect these hidden frontiers.
Can you share a recent example from an expedition that shows how new technology is changing how we explore the ocean?
Yes, in our recent missions, we’ve used high-fidelity camera systems and robotic specimen sampling tools that work in tandem with AI to improve species detection. We’ve also leveraged Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a rapid biodiversity monitoring tool, which provides faster insights than traditional methods.
However, eDNA still requires validation with real-world sampling, which is why we emphasize integrated, multidisciplinary research.
The combination of advanced imaging, robotics, AI, and eDNA gives us a much clearer and quicker understanding of deep-sea ecosystems than ever before.
Why was Saudi Arabia the right place to launch OceanQuest, and how does it support the kingdom’s sustainability goals?
Saudi Arabia is strategically located along key marine ecosystems, particularly the Red Sea, which makes it an ideal hub for deep ocean research. OceanQuest supports the kingdom’s Vision 2030 priorities by focusing on technology, AI, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Our foundation is set to contribute to the national research and innovation targets with SAR3bn in R&D funding by 2050, supporting over 150 scientists each year. We also aim to inspire the next generation of ocean scientists and STEM professionals in the region through education and outreach, further supporting the kingdom’s goal of nurturing a knowledge-based society.
By advancing global deep-ocean science from Saudi Arabia, we’re not only contributing to the country’s growth but positioning it as a leader in marine innovation and sustainability.
After the UN Ocean Conference, what are OceanQuest’s top goals for the next year or so?
After our debut at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, our top priority is protecting vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems, especially seamounts. These ecosystems are critical to ocean health but remain largely unexplored and at risk.
We aim to generate robust baseline data to inform international conservation strategies and sustainable ocean governance. We’re also scaling our support for Early-Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) through expedition participation, mentorship programs, and global training. This aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science, which recognises ECOPs as central to long-term impact.
One example already in motion is our Around Africa Expedition, where 69 scientists from 31 countries — over 40 of the ECOPs — collaborated on research and training. We’re building on that model to expand our inclusive, collaborative approach globally.
What are some of the key challenges when it comes to deep sea research?
First, public awareness of the deep ocean’s role in planetary health is still low. Many don’t realise how vital it is for biodiversity, climate regulation, and sustainability. Second, ocean management is often fragmented — many regions lack a unified ocean policy, leading to overexploitation and underprotection.
The solution lies in open collaboration and equitable data-sharing. It’s essential that knowledge, technology, and opportunity are accessible to scientists in every part of the world, especially in the Global South.
What are the key concerns facing our oceans today, and how can both private and government enterprises in the region contribute to their protection?
The ocean is a global system that connects us all, yet it’s often viewed through fragmented, local lenses. One of the main concerns is the absence of holistic ocean policy. Another is the lack of visibility for the deep ocean’s role in biodiversity and climate systems.
Private and government players can step up by funding inclusive ocean research, investing in sustainable technologies, and building coalitions across sectors. Together, they can help shape a shared vision for ocean stewardship that balances exploration with preservation.
