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Science
Eric Schmidt's Falkor Maps 1.3 Million Sq Km of Seafloor
✍️ Times of India
🗓 06 Oct 2026, 07:37 AM
👁 15
The research vessel Falkor, acquired by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in 2009, has charted over 1.3 million square kilometers of the ocean floor by 2022.
In a significant contribution to marine conservation, former Google executive Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy Schmidt acquired a fisheries protection vessel in 2009. The couple rebranded the ship as Falkor, transforming it into a dedicated platform for oceanographic research and exploration.
Over the subsequent years, the Falkor served as a critical hub for the scientific community. By 2022, the vessel had successfully charted more than 1.3 million square kilometers of the ocean floor, providing valuable data for understanding marine ecosystems.
The initiative also facilitated extensive collaboration among researchers, with the ship hosting over 1,000 scientists during its operational period. This effort highlights the growing role of private initiatives in advancing global ocean science and conservation efforts.
Over the subsequent years, the Falkor served as a critical hub for the scientific community. By 2022, the vessel had successfully charted more than 1.3 million square kilometers of the ocean floor, providing valuable data for understanding marine ecosystems.
The initiative also facilitated extensive collaboration among researchers, with the ship hosting over 1,000 scientists during its operational period. This effort highlights the growing role of private initiatives in advancing global ocean science and conservation efforts.