The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust (FMHT) is set to bring a slice of maritime history to the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge technology that uncovered Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary ship, Endurance, from the icy depths of Antarctica’s Weddell Sea. The Endurance22 mission, organized and funded by FMHT, not only located the wreck in 2022 but also scanned, filmed, and digitally preserved it. Now, for the first time, the public will have the chance to interact with the tools and techniques that made this historic discovery possible.
The exhibition, part of the Future Labs installation, promises an immersive experience. Visitors can expect to see a 3D printed model of Endurance, crafted from millimeter-perfect scan data, which they can touch and examine. An interactive 3D digital model will allow audiences to rotate, zoom, and uncover artifacts on the ship’s deck. Additionally, the exhibit will reveal, for the first time, how layered imaging and AI processing produced one of the most detailed wreck models ever created.
The technology behind the Endurance22 mission is not just a marvel for maritime enthusiasts; it has significant applications across various industries. The laser scanners, AI programs, and high-definition subsea imaging used in the mission can revolutionize seabed mapping, marine biology, offshore energy, defense, and conservation. These tools remove the need for human divers in high-risk zones, enabling safer, deeper, and more accurate exploration.
“This is not just about showcasing a historic find,” said a spokesperson for FMHT. “It’s about demonstrating how these technologies can transform our understanding of the underwater world and improve safety and efficiency in multiple sectors.”
The Future Lab’s 2025 theme, “Exploring Technology for a Better World,” provides an ideal platform for FMHT’s work. The exhibition highlights how scanning and imaging technologies are pushing boundaries and opening new possibilities for exploration and conservation.
The Trust’s exhibition will be staffed by a collaborative team of FMHT staff and Trustees, along with partners from Voyis (Canada) and Saab (Sweden). This collaboration underscores the global effort and innovation that went into the Endurance22 mission.
The implications of this technology are far-reaching. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the ability to explore and map underwater environments with precision and safety will be crucial. The lessons learned from the Endurance22 mission could pave the way for future discoveries and advancements in underwater technology.
Moreover, the public reveal of these technologies at the Goodwood Festival of Speed could spark interest and investment in similar projects. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving maritime heritage while leveraging modern technology to explore and understand our oceans.
In the broader context, the exhibition could influence policy and industry standards. As governments and organizations increasingly focus on sustainable and safe exploration practices, the technologies showcased by FMHT could set new benchmarks.
The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust’s exhibition at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed is more than just a display of historical artifacts; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and the potential of technology to reshape our understanding of the underwater world. As visitors interact with the exhibits, they will not only witness a piece of history but also glimpse the future of maritime exploration.