At Henri-Lloyd, we’ve always been driven by a sense of purpose. In exploring the open seas and traversing challenging terrains on land, our commitment to innovation and sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to partner with the Barba Project, an inspiring team of ocean explorers, scientists and conservationists dedicated to researching and preserving the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem.
Led by Andreas B. Heide - twice nominated for the prestigious Shackleton Award - the Barba Project is on a mission to shed light on marine conservation issues affecting the Arctic. From studying the impact of global warming on whale populations to raising awareness about plastic pollution in the oceans, their work is pivotal in understanding and protecting the marine environment.
A Partnership Born of Purpose
The Barba Project operates out of the 37-foot sailing yacht, SV Barba, which serves as both a research vessel and a platform for exploration. From its base in Stavanger, Norway, the crew heads into the Arctic Circle to gather critical data and insights on the health of marine mammals and the broader marine ecosystem. But with conditions as harsh as the ones found in the Arctic, having the right gear isn’t just important - it’s essential.
As the official technical clothing partner for the Barba Project, Henri-Lloyd is providing the crew with the very best in technical outerwear. Designed to protect against the most extreme elements, Henri-Lloyd’s clothing is built to withstand the Arctic’s fierce winds, freezing temperatures and relentless rain.
For those particularly brutal conditions, the crew’s gear includes outerwear crafted from our cutting-edge recycled Dri-Pro fabric - renowned for its waterproof, windproof and breathable properties, as well as mid-layers, including the Polperro jacket, providing essential warmth while being made from 100% recycled polyester, with a synthetic fill sourced from recycled plastic bottles.
The iconic Viking Smock has quickly become a favourite of team leader Andreas - made from a high-performance, 3-layer waterproof fabric it is waterproof but is easily layered over insulated base and mid layers, with a stylish, modern aesthetic that would be just at home off the water.
And it’s not just the outer layers that make a difference. Henri-Lloyd’s base layers, made from merino wool, keep the crew warm without sacrificing breathability, ensuring comfort during long hours spent in the Arctic.
A Shared Vision for Sustainability
One of the key reasons Andreas chose Henri-Lloyd as a partner is the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The Barba Project is focused on creating awareness around Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and their devastating impact on marine life.
These toxic substances, often found in top predators like whales, accumulate in the food chain and pose serious threats to ecosystems. The fact that waterproof fabrics can be a major source of chemical contamination is something that the Barba Project takes very seriously, and it’s something we at Henri-Lloyd are actively addressing.
Our new Dynamic Range, launched in November 2024, is the first marine clothing line to be completely free of harmful chemicals like PFCs and PFAS, which are commonly used in waterproof coatings. These substances, which can persist in the environment for years, have long been a concern for both human and marine health. As California prepares to ban these chemicals in 2025, and Europe follows suit shortly after, Henri-Lloyd is proud to be leading the way in eliminating these harmful substances from our products.
Raising Awareness, Educating and Empowering the Next Generation
The Barba Project is more than just a research expedition. It’s a movement. Throughout the 2024 season, Andreas and his team have worked tirelessly to engage younger audiences and make complex environmental issues accessible. One of the highlights was inviting a British schoolteacher on board, who worked with students to help them understand the urgency of the project and the broader issues of marine conservation.
The project is also collaborating with the University of Iceland and the University of Stavanger to create an online educational portal. This initiative will help raise awareness about organic pollution and provide actionable solutions for living more sustainably. Through immersive online storytelling, the Barba Project aims to inform and inspire people all over the world, using video and social media to reach audiences of all ages.
Join the Journey
In early 2025, the Barba Project will set sail once again, this time to Northern Norway to study whale populations and is on the lookout for citizen scientists to join the cause.
If you’re a competent sailor with a passion for marine conservation, the crew is looking for volunteers to join the expedition. It’s a unique opportunity to be part of an exciting, groundbreaking research project that has the potential to make a real difference to the planet.
To learn more about the Barba Project and how you can get involved, visit here.
At Henri-Lloyd, we’re thrilled to be part of this incredible journey. By providing the crew with the best technical clothing for extreme conditions, we are helping to ensure that they can focus on what matters most: preserving the future of our oceans.
Photo 1 (cover) & 3. By Conor McDonnell. 2 & 5. By Amelie Conty. 4 By Antoine Drancey.
Epic journey!
What a wonderful adventure!