Atlantic Crossing Underway – Athlete and Climate Advocate Michael Walther Paddles from Europe to South America
Michael Walther is currently crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a stand-up paddleboard, carrying a powerful message about marine conservation. Gebrüder Weiss is supporting the project both logistically and through strategic communications.
This weekend, extreme athlete and climate advocate Michael Walther from Kiel, Germany, set off from Lagos, Portugal on his attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). His journey will span approximately 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles), taking him past the Canary Islands and Cape Verde before reaching French Guiana. Walther is undertaking this challenge solo and without a support vessel. His mission is to draw attention to the threats facing the oceans due to climate change and to collect valuable scientific data for marine research.
Before the journey could begin, logistics partner Gebrüder Weiss handled the transportation of the specially designed SUP board from Germany to Portugal. The company has been supporting Walther for several months and is also assisting with communications efforts to raise awareness of his mission.
“With his transatlantic crossing, Michael Walther is sending an important signal for ocean conservation. We are proud to support him as a partner and wish him strength and perseverance on his journey,” says Robert Stahlschmidt, Country Manager Air & Sea Germany at Gebrüder Weiss.
Once the crossing is complete, Gebrüder Weiss will return the paddleboard to Germany via climate-neutral sea freight. The company uses a certified insetting approach, which reduces CO2 emissions directly within the transport chain by utilizing sustainable fuels – rather than offsetting emissions through external projects.
More information about Gebrüder Weiss’s sustainability efforts can be found at https://www.gw-world.com/company/sustainability/future-of-mobility and on the company’s social media channels. Since 2021, Gebrüder Weiss has been actively supporting innovation projects in sustainable transportation, collaborating with universities, research institutions, and startups.
Fact Box – Atlantic Crossing by SUP
- Route: From Portugal via the Canary Islands and Cape Verde to French Guiana
- Distance: Approx. 6,000 kilometers, around 4 million paddle strokes
- SUP Board: Modeled after offshore rowing boats, includes a 2 m² sleeping cabin in the bow
- Equipment: 200 kg of food, life raft, medical kit, tools
- Navigation: GPS, chart plotter, satellite phone, radio
- Research: Hydrophone for recording marine animal sounds
- Live Tracking: https://zeroemissions.eu/live
About Gebrüder Weiss
Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.71 billion euros in 2024. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. The twin strengths of digital and physical competence enable Gebrüder Weiss to respond swiftly and flexibly to customers’ needs. The family-run organization – with a history going back more than half a millennium – has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Today, it is also considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices. www.gw-world.com
