Oceanwide Expeditions has set a world record for the southernmost point reached by a non-icebreaker vessel in the Weddell Sea for the second year in a row, the company said.

On Feb. 5, 2026, the  Ortelius recorded a position of 78 degrees 05.60 minutes south in Vahsel Bay. This follows last season, when the Ortelius reached a record southerly position of 78 degrees 03.471 minutes south.

The Weddell Sea is one of the most extreme and challenging regions in Antarctica, known for its dense, unpredictable pack ice and extreme variability in sea and weather conditions.

The Weddell Sea was the site of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1914 to 1917.

“Breaking our own record for the second year in a row is a testament to the ability and experience of our crews and expedition staff, and also the willingness of our guests to go beyond the standard and chase true adventure,” said Franklin Braeckman, Antarctic program director at Oceanwide Expeditions.

“Our Remote Weddell Sea itinerary is exceptional within the industry, made possible by our decades of operational experience in Antarctica and the polar environment.”

The historic farthest south world record was attained as part of Oceanwide Expeditions’ 27-night Remote Weddell Sea Explorer voyage, which retraces much of the route taken by Shackleton and the Endurance and his crew’s epic journey of survival.

Earlier in the voyage, a continental landing was also made in Queen Maud Land, historically known as Neuschwabenland, at the farthest eastern extreme of the Weddell Sea.

The achievement exemplifies the polar capabilities of the crew and expedition staff of Oceanwide Expeditions, along with the capabilities of the ice-strengthened m/v Ortelius.

The ship is rated to one of the highest ice-class notations for non-icebreakers.

Oceanwide Expeditions extended its gratitude to the dedicated crew of the m/v Ortelius, Captain Remmert Koster, Expedition Leader Chris Long and the expedition team.

The Remote Weddell Sea Explorer itinerary will return in Oceanwide Expeditions’ 2026-27 season. New for the 2026-27 season is a 24-night adventure into the Bellingshausen Sea, including the opportunity of landing on Peter I Island.