Oceanwide Expeditions has announced that its vessel m/v Ortelius reached 78°05.60'S in Vahsel Bay on 5 February 2026, marking a new record for the southernmost position attained by a non-icebreaker ship in the Weddell Sea. This surpasses the previous record of 78°03.471'S set by the same ship during the 2025 season. The feat occurred during the 27-night Remote Weddell Sea Explorer voyage, which follows much of the route taken by Shackleton's historic Endurance expedition and earlier included a continental landing in Queen Maud Land.
The Weddell Sea is noted for its difficult ice and weather conditions, making such deep-south navigation rare among expedition operators. Oceanwide credits the achievement to the ice-strengthened capabilities of the Ortelius and its crew's polar experience. The Remote Weddell Sea Explorer itinerary will return for the 2026-2027 season, alongside a new 24-night Bellingshausen Sea voyage featuring a landing on the seldom-visited Peter I Island.