International logistics company Gebrüder Weiss has been named the official logistics partner for environmental activist and endurance paddler Michael Walther, who will attempt a world-first solo stand-up paddleboard (SUP) crossing of the Atlantic Ocean later this year.
Walther, based in Kiel, Germany, plans to begin his epic voyage at the end of September, launching from Lagos, Portugal, and paddling over 6,000 kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean. His route will take him past the Canary Islands and Cape Verde before reaching his final destination in Cayenne, French Guiana.
If successful, Walther will become the first European to complete an unsupported solo Atlantic crossing on a SUP.
Logistics on Land and Sea: Gebrüder Weiss at the Helm
Although Walther will be alone at sea, Gebrüder Weiss will be managing critical logistics support from land. The company’s Hamburg branch is overseeing the transport of the custom-built paddleboard from Kiel to Lagos via overland freight.
Upon completion of the crossing, Gebrüder Weiss will ship the SUP board back to Germany via certified climate-neutral sea freight, incorporating carbon insetting throughout the supply chain.
Robert Stahlschmidt, Country Manager Air & Sea Germany at Gebrüder Weiss, said:
“Michael Walther is using his passion to shine a light on marine conservation, and we are proud to support this mission. His expedition represents both physical endurance and a call to protect our oceans – values that align with our sustainability goals.”
Three-Month Journey to Raise Climate Awareness
Walther’s transatlantic voyage is expected to take approximately three months, during which he will be completely self-sufficient, without a support boat or external aid.
As part of the mission’s environmental focus, Walther will deploy a hydrophone to capture underwater audio from marine life. The acoustic data will be shared with the Alfred Wegener Institute, one of Germany’s top marine research centers, contributing to ongoing climate impact studies on ocean ecosystems.
“This journey is not just about personal achievement—it’s about giving a voice to the ocean,” said Walther.
“By collecting marine audio and sharing it with scientists, we aim to shed light on the subtle yet critical changes happening below the surface.”
A Legacy of Environmental Expeditions
Since 2008, Walther has taken on numerous high-profile eco-expeditions to raise awareness about climate change and environmental degradation. These include:
- Paddling across Germany by river
- Exploring Iceland’s glacial landscapes to document melting ice
Each mission is designed to engage the public through adventure, science, and sustainability.
Innovation Meets Impact
The Gebrüder Weiss–Walther partnership blends innovative logistics with environmental activism, marking a milestone in how corporations and individuals can collaborate to make sustainability visible and impactful.
This Atlantic expedition will not only test the limits of human endurance but also serve as a mobile platform for environmental advocacy—demonstrating that sustainable transport and eco-conscious exploration can go hand-in-hand.