The seabed is one of the most unexplored places on our planet. Throughout history, we’ve explored only a small fraction of this vast world, leaving many mysteries yet to be uncovered. OceanX is a pioneering organization aiming to leverage cutting-edge technology to study and protect the oceans. In this article, we’ll delve into what OceanX is, its most significant projects, and how the technology they employ is transforming our understanding of the deep ocean.
Dedicated to marine research and scientific outreach, OceanX not only explores the ocean but also strives to connect people with this ecosystem through high-quality multimedia content. From conservation projects to capturing unprecedented images of the ocean floor, OceanX has managed to captivate a broader audience.
The Origin of OceanX and Its Mission
OceanX began to take shape in 2018 as an effort by Ray Dalio and his son Mark Dalio, inspired by the legacy of Jacques Cousteau to create a platform that combined marine exploration and visual storytelling. The main mission of OceanX is to explore the depths of the ocean, document the process, and share that knowledge with the world.
Following in the footsteps of Cousteau—who over 70 years ago sparked global interest in the ocean with the film The Silent World—OceanX aims to make a similar impact in the modern era. To achieve this, they have developed a series of innovative technologies and joined forces with scientists and filmmakers, including prominent names like James Cameron.
To fulfill their objectives, OceanX uses an 87-meter-long research vessel known as the OceanXplorer—a floating laboratory that has revolutionized ocean exploration. This ship is not only equipped with the latest sonar and submarine technology but also has the capability to transmit data globally in real time.
The OceanXplorer Vessel and Its Cutting-Edge Technology
The OceanXplorer is a research vessel housing multiple technologies geared not only toward science but also outreach. Equipped with more than 3,000 cinematic lighting devices, submarines capable of reaching depths up to 1,000 meters, and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that can record at great depths, the ship is a true technological marvel.
Among its most notable tools are two submersibles named Nadir and Neptune. Both submarines can reach the most remote parts of the ocean. While Nadir has a more scientific focus, Neptune is dedicated to collecting live data and transmitting it to the surface, allowing the ship’s team and the public to follow the dives in real time.
The OceanXplorer also stands out for having wet and dry labs on board, facilitating scientific experiments directly at sea. Additionally, it features a holographic visualization table, which allows scientists to build three-dimensional models in real time with data collected from the depths. This makes the ship both a scientific and media operations center.
OceanX’s Scientific Achievements
Over the years, OceanX teams have made significant discoveries and contributed considerably to our knowledge of the seabed. Among their most spectacular findings are images of orcas hunting humpback whales and recordings of male whale songs, which might be using the seabed to amplify their mating calls.
These advances have been possible thanks to advanced sonar tools that allow high-resolution mapping of the ocean floor. It is estimated that only 25% of the seabed has been mapped with adequate resolution, but projects like OceanX aim to increase that figure by 2030.
Another important achievement is the unprecedented images they’ve captured of the Dana octopus squid in its natural habitat. They’ve also obtained spectacular recordings of the giant Pacific squid—something considered impossible until a few years ago due to the depths at which this species lives.
Their work in shark tracking is also noteworthy. The OceanX team has collaborated with local researchers to tag bluntnose sixgill sharks and other species, observing their migratory patterns in real time. This tracking not only provides valuable information about these predators but also helps scientists create more effective conservation strategies.
The Inspirations Behind OceanX
Jacques Cousteau was a great inspiration for the creators of OceanX. Cousteau, along with Louis Malle, conducted underwater color filming in the 1950s, helping to bring visibility to the ocean like few before them. This type of visual storytelling is something OceanX aims to replicate using modern technology through series like OceanXplorers, produced by National Geographic.
OceanX founder Ray Dalio envisions the project as a way to unite science, adventure, and entertainment. Some of his main questions are: “How can we create a new Cousteau moment for the modern world?” and “How can we get people to care about the ocean again?” To achieve this, they’ve started creating content aimed at raising awareness about the importance of the ocean and its conservation from an accessible and entertaining perspective.
Expansion into Renewable Energy: OceanX as a Wind Turbine
Although OceanX is mainly known for its efforts in marine exploration, it has also begun to expand its mission into the field of renewable energy. In 2024, the Chinese company Mingyang developed a technological innovation under the same name: OceanX, the world’s most powerful floating wind turbine.
With a dual-rotor design that maximizes energy generation efficiency, the OceanX platform is capable of generating 16.6 megawatts—enough to supply 30,000 homes. This innovative design not only allows for the efficient creation of clean energy but is also capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions like typhoons, making it a key piece for the future of offshore wind energy.
The OceanX turbine uses a cutting-edge floating structure made of ultra-resistant concrete, allowing it to operate in sea depths greater than 35 meters. This system has revolutionized the field of clean energy and represents a step forward in reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The Challenges of Ocean Conservation
Despite advances in marine exploration and efforts by organizations like OceanX, ocean conservation remains one of the great challenges of the 21st century. It’s estimated that more than 90% of marine species have not yet been described by science, meaning we’re at risk of losing life forms we don’t even know exist.
One of the main problems facing marine conservation is the lack of knowledge about deep-sea ecosystems. Oceanographers like Chris Scholin from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute explain that although today’s technology allows us to explore more than ever, we’re still far from fully understanding the impact of human activities on the ocean.
OceanX has taken these challenges as its central mission, developing not only exploration tools but also educational initiatives to involve the public in ocean protection.
Their work doesn’t stop at science and technology; it also has a strong educational component. With nearly 4 million followers on TikTok, OceanX has generated significant interest among younger audiences, showcasing the mysteries of the ocean and promoting conservation practices through accessible and entertaining content.
While much remains to be done, OceanX’s efforts exemplify how technology, entertainment, and science can unite to raise awareness and take the first steps toward better conservation of the most unknown marine ecosystems.
Every mission OceanX undertakes opens a window to the vast underwater world yet to be discovered. The combination of their efforts in science and outreach is capturing the public’s imagination while providing crucial data to understand and protect the ocean. Supported by advanced technologies like submersibles and floating renewable energy platforms, OceanX continues to lead ocean exploration in the 21st century.