Our staff

Hans his fascination for nature and traveling has been present all of his life. From a young age on he has been a birder and fascination with the polar regions caught him during one of his birding travels to the North of Norway.

After his study Coastal Zone Management he started working on the Dutch island Texel as a field researcher for the marine research institute of Wageningen University. In his research he specialises in seabirds and marine mammals.

Since 2004 he has participated in scientific research projects in the Antarctica, Caribbean, West-Africa, Spitsbergen and European waters. He has always been fascinated with the polar regions and has participated in several scientific expeditions both to the Arctic and Antarctic.

In 1999 he started working as a (birding) guide. The last years he has combined his research job with guiding & expedition leading for Oceanwide Expeditions.

In his free time Hans is a keen nature photographer and an active member of the team supporting the international development of the citizens science platform Observation.org

Michael began diving in 1980, training with the Royal Navy in Portsmouth Harbour.

After leaving the Navy, he continued to dive mainly around the UK, diving wrecks and always looking for a new story.

He is qualified as a dive instructor with BSAC and PADI and is certified to operate Drager Dolphin and Buddy Inspiration rebreathers.

Michael has worked for Oceanwide Expeditions for five years and enjoys giving divers a safe and exploratory experience in the polar regions.

Michael’s biggest tip for polar divers is to slow down, look around, and enjoy the environment.

He looks forward to enjoying it with you.

Per Andersson first embarked on his maritime odyssey in 1985 as a deckhand aboard the St Karso, navigating the Baltic Sea. This experience laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to the maritime world.

Transitioning to oil tankers navigating the formidable waters of the UK, Per attained an Officers license by 1988, underscoring a burgeoning dedication to maritime proficiency. Ascending to the role of Chief Officer, he commanded diverse commercial vessels across the Baltic and North Sea, each voyage contributing to the refinement of his navigational expertise.

In 1995, the realization of a captaincy position aboard a cargo vessel marked a zenith in Per’s career, but an enduring affinity for unexplored regions of the world led him to an expedition ship bound for the high Arctic.

The historic passage through the White Sea Canal in 2009, as the lone western passenger ship to achieve such a feat, epitomized the intersection of Per’s navigational acumen and adventurous spirit.

Assuming the role of Captain with Oceanwide Expeditions in 2021, captain Per orchestrates expeditions through the Arctic and Antarctic aboard M/V Ortelius, perpetuating a legacy marked by exploration, leadership, and environmental stewardship.