With over 90 000 nautical miles behind her, having battled wind and wave, and finally having brought her crew safe to haven - what vessel better deserved a rapturous welcome? The "2041" is the boat belonging to climate protector and polar researcher Robert Swan. She sailed into her home port of Rotterdam after 10 years at sea on the "Voyage for Cleaner Energy," supported by RWE. More than 100 guests lined the quay to welcome her.
 
Dr. Ulrich Jobs, COO of RWE, spoke 'warm' words of welcome to Robert Swan and his crew of the 2041 on their arrival at the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal. It was a pun on the inclement weather. The day was cold and windy, but what was that to someone who had braved the cold of the Arctic and Antarctic? Indeed, Robert Swan is the first person to have walked to both the North and the South Pole. He has battled with wind and weather on the high seas for years, devoting himself to a single cause: the conservation of the Antarctic.
 
Appreciative of his dedication, many representatives from the worlds of politics, business and the press did not miss the opportunity to meet Robert Swan in person. They included Dutch Economics Minister Maria van der Hoeven and MEP Jan-Gerben Gerbrandy. Spontaneous applause broke out as the 2041 steered for her berth. Many guests were wrapped in blue and pink RWE/Essent scarves. "Thank you for coming today, thank you for inspiring young people, and thank you for constantly reminding us of climate change," said Maria van der Hoeven. And Gerbrandy complimented Robert Swan on his achievements: "Many people have bright ideas, but you actually put them into practice."
 
"This is one of the proudest movements of my life and an important milestone in our mission to preserve and protect the Antarctic," announced Robert Swan on arrival in Rotterdam. "We have achieved so much in the past ten years, that I can hardly believe some people still say climate change is now unstoppable. I am quite sure it can be stopped."
 
But how is Robert Swan thinking of doing that? One of the journalists added this question: "Is your project not just PR?" "No," was Swan's reply to her. "This boat, and many other projects, are examples of how renewables can be used with the fantastic support of companies like RWE and Essent. And we are inspiring young people to follow our example!"
 
That is why Robert Swan must also have been delighted that the guests included not only politicians and businesspeople, but also many invited students, present at his arrival and subsequent address. Swan has a soft spot for young people. "They will determine the future of Antarctica," he says. That is why he is concerned to appeal especially to the younger generation in his lectures. He seeks to engage in discussion with them, and inspire them to protect the climate.
 
For Robert Swan, the voyage is by no means over at Rotterdam. Rotterdam marks a port of call on his "Voyage for Cleaner Energy," which began in San Francisco in spring 2008 and will take him on to Copenhagen in the next few weeks. The Danish capital will host the UN World Climate summit from 7 to 18 December 2009.

Robert Swan calls it "the most important conference this century," and its purpose is to decide on a new global climate treaty.
 
Robert Swan and his organisation devote themselves to climate change in a very wide variety of projects. The protection of Antarctica is of special concern to them. In the year 2041, a treaty which has hitherto protected Antarctica from the exploitation of raw materials will be renegotiated. Named after that date, the organisation "2041" is working to ensure that Antarctica's protection is not removed.