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Four cadets from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy in Bergen will set out this summer on one of the most demanding rowing journeys possible in European waters. Their goal is to cross more than a thousand kilometres of the North Sea without assistance to raise funds for Fritt Ukraina.
The project is called Row for Ukraine 2026 and combines physical endurance, maritime precision and a clear message of solidarity.
– The frontline in Ukraine is around 1,200 kilometres long. When we measured the route we will row across the North Sea, it turned out to be roughly the same distance. In a way, we will be rowing the length of the frontline that Ukrainians defend every single day. It puts our own challenge into an extra perspective, says Aleksander Skogly-Jensen.
Strong commitment
– The war in Ukraine is just as serious as it was at the beginning, but in a news landscape characterised by constant global competition, we unfortunately see that the issue often fades into the background. At the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy we discuss the situation daily, and the engagement among us cadets is strong.
Now they want to turn that engagement into action.
– Ukraine is not only fighting for its own freedom; it stands on the frontline for the right of all of Europe to live freely, says Erik Gulbrandsen.
– By combining the experience we have gained at the Naval Academy with the rowing club Royal Norwegian Naval Academy Boat Club, we want to challenge ourselves for an important cause. With the Row for Ukraine project we are embarking on a rowing expedition across the North Sea. It is an extreme physical challenge, but it is also a symbol of the endurance that the Ukrainian people demonstrate every single day. By pushing our own limits at sea, we hope to generate enough attention to keep the fight for Ukraine a priority, says Aleksander Skogly-Jensen.
A demanding journey across the North Sea
The expedition will start in Bergen around July 1, 2026. From there the crew will row through some of the world’s most heavily trafficked and weather-exposed waters, crossing major shipping lanes and oil and gas fields before eventually arriving in London as planned.
The North Sea is known for short, steep waves and rapidly changing weather conditions—factors that place high demands on structure, navigation and discipline.
– We want to use the competence we have gained through our education for something that means more than ourselves. This is about solidarity and about showing that we stand with Ukraine, says Aleksander Skogly-Jensen.
The crew consists of Erik Gulbrandsen from Ålesund, Henrik Listhaug from Asker, Frikk Ekeberg and Aleksander Skogly-Jensen from Oslo. They have backgrounds in marine engineering, weapons technology and logistics, and are trained to operate under pressure in demanding maritime environments.
Throughout the crossing they will operate on a continuous 24-hour watch system, based on their military training and established procedures for safe navigation.
– The North Sea is known as one of the most demanding sea areas in the world. Crossing it in a rowing boat will undoubtedly be an enormous challenge, says Frikk Ekeberg.
They will use a D12 Ocean Rowing Boat, an ocean-going rowing vessel from Ocean Rowing Company, designed for long offshore crossings. The boat accommodates two rowers at a time while two can rest. It is built to withstand harsh conditions, but the expedition will still require significant physical and mental endurance over time.
– This will be an extreme strain, both physically and mentally. That is exactly why it feels right to do it for people who are in a far tougher situation than we are. If we can help generate attention and raise concrete funds for Fritt Ukraina, every single nautical mile will be worth it, says Skogly-Jensen.
Among the supporters of the project is the satellite communications company NSSLGlobal, which contributes technical equipment and satellite connectivity.
The company has previously supported several transatlantic rowing expeditions, including multiple teams from the Royal Navy.
For the North Sea expedition, NSSLGlobal will equip the crew with satellite phones for welfare and emergency communication, as well as mobile satellite solutions enabling video and email during the journey. The company will also assist with installation, crew training and technical support before, during and after the crossing.
Read more about Rowing for Ukraine
Raising funds for Ukraine
The project has a budget of approximately NOK 250,000 (25 000 USD) to complete the expedition. You can choose both to support the fundraiser for Fritt Ukraina and to contribute as a sponsor of the project.
All surplus funds from the expedition will go to Fritt Ukraina’s work delivering critical equipment and support to Ukraine through established partners.
The funds will be used to provide essential equipment for the Ukrainian 36th Separate Marine Brigade.
The brigade is a central part of Ukraine’s naval infantry and plays an important role in defending coastal areas and in building Ukrainian maritime capability in the Black Sea.
– The 36th Marine Brigade are good partners of Fritt Ukraina whom we know well, says Secretary General Natalia Golis.
– It is very fitting that this brave initiative by the cadets contributes to supporting their colleagues in Ukraine. At the same time, it highlights the unique position Norway holds as part of the “Maritime Capability Coalition” (MCC), where Norway, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are helping develop a modern, NATO-interoperable Ukrainian navy, both for ongoing warfare and long-term security.
– I am also truly proud that we are re-establishing the bridge between Western Norway and England while demonstrating which resource matters most for the future—the young cadets who are coming after us, says Golis.
The initiative was launched in January 2026 by the cadets themselves, in cooperation with NSSLGlobal. The spring is being used for physical training, sea training, technical preparations and media work ahead of the planned departure from Bergen on July 1, 2026.
– We are not rowing just for ourselves. We are rowing to show support, to raise funds and to keep attention on the cause. Ukraine still needs both practical and moral support, and this is our contribution, says Aleksander Skogly-Jensen.
– We are impressed by the efforts being made by civil society, the Armed Forces and organisations like Fritt Ukraina. For us it is important that our colleagues in Ukraine receive the support they deserve. The belief in a free Ukraine must be kept alive—we cannot accept that Russia wins, concludes Henrik Listhaug.