team of Danish scientists on board a scientific research vessel launched an eight-month round-the-world voyage on Friday to assess global environmental pollution.
The Galathea 3 project is billed by organisers as the most important Danish scientific expedition for more than 50 years.
The expedition is backed by the Danish ministry of science, technology and innovation to the tune of 80 million kroner (A$17.8 million), and has received 90 million kroner from private sponsors and research agencies.