International transport and logistics provider Gebrüder Weiss has announced its official partnership with German water sports adventurer and environmental activist Michael Walther, who is preparing to attempt a solo, unsupported crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) — a feat that, if successful, will be a world first for a European.
Set to begin at the end of September, the ambitious expedition will see Walther depart from Lagos, Portugal, navigating the open ocean past the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, before arriving at his final destination in Cayenne, French Guiana. The crossing is expected to take approximately three months, during which Walther will receive no external support, supplies, or rescue assistance.
While Walther’s journey will be a solitary one at sea, his logistical support network on land is being expertly managed by Gebrüder Weiss. The company’s Hamburg branch is overseeing the full scope of transportation and supply chain services for the expedition — from overland shipment of Walther’s specially designed paddleboard from Kiel to Portugal, to the return shipment by sea freight from French Guiana back to Germany.
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Importantly, the return journey will be handled via certified climate-neutral logistics, enabled by the company’s verified insetting initiatives — part of Gebrüder Weiss’s broader commitment to sustainability within the global supply chain.
“Michael Walther is drawing attention to marine conservation through an unconventional form of mobility, and we are proud to support this mission as his logistics partner,” said Robert Stahlschmidt, Country Manager Air & Sea, Germany, at Gebrüder Weiss. “His project aligns perfectly with our company’s values around sustainability, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Beyond the physical challenge, the journey has a strong environmental and scientific component. Walther will deploy a hydrophone during the crossing to record marine life sounds across the Atlantic. These audio samples will be shared with the Alfred Wegener Institute, one of Germany’s leading polar and marine research institutions, to contribute to ongoing studies on the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems.
Walther, based in Kiel, is no stranger to extreme environmental campaigns. Since 2008, he has led numerous eco-expeditions aimed at raising awareness around climate change. Previous projects include stand-up paddling across Germany’s river systems and journeying through Iceland to document glacial melt caused by global warming.This latest expedition not only aims to set a world record but also to spotlight the urgent need for marine conservation and sustainable logistics solutions. By partnering with Walther, Gebrüder Weiss not only reinforces its reputation as a leading global logistics provider but also underscores the growing role of the transport industry in enabling climate-conscious missions.
