OPERATION EXPLORER
In partnership with Pierre Frolla, Prince Explorer launches an unprecedented project of underwater ageing for its bottles, true witnesses to the power and poetry of the ocean.
Operation Explorer
Immersed for 8 months starting in November 2025, these 226 bottles will become unique pieces, shaped by the sea.
Under the effect of pressure, currents and temperature variations, each bottle will undergo its own transformation: the glass will develop a natural patina, its decoration will be altered through contact with salt and marine life, while the gin will continue its natural evolution, influenced by darkness, constant cool temperatures and the micro-movements generated by the sea.
Beyond an experimental ageing process, this initiative embodies a genuine alchemy between the ocean and the spirit, giving each bottle a singular identity, both a work of nature and a collector’s piece.
Pierre frolla,
the protector of the oceans
Pierre Frolla is a Monegasque freediver, four-time world record holder and diving advisor to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. For more than two decades, he has dedicated his life to exploring, understanding and protecting the ocean.
In 2002, he founded the Académie Monégasque de la Mer, an educational initiative created to inspire younger generations to respect and preserve the marine world. Since then, his work has focused on raising awareness of ocean conservation, particularly through the protection of sharks and fragile marine ecosystems.
Combining scientific expeditions, underwater photography and international environmental projects, Pierre Frolla has become one of Monaco’s leading ambassadors for the oceans. His expertise, passion and lifelong commitment to marine preservation make him the natural partner behind Operation Explorer, a project where innovation, craftsmanship and ocean conservation come together beneath the Mediterranean Sea.
with this initiative, prince explorer and pierre frolla redefine the experience of gin: a unique sensory journey shaped by the ocean and devoted to
planning
This project begins with a meticulous phase of design and planning. Every detail is carefully considered in advance: the gradual immersion of the bottles, resistance testing of the glass and sealing systems, as well as the design and fabrication of dedicated enclosures engineered to protect and stabilise the bottles within a dynamic marine environment.
The selection of the site is equally decisive: optimal depth, current patterns, weather analysis, stable temperature conditions and the safeguarding of surrounding biodiversity. Each parameter is assessed to ensure the protection of the environment, the safety of the teams involved and the integrity of the bottles.
This preparatory phase is conducted in close collaboration with Pierre Frolla and marine environmental specialists, ensuring full respect for local ecosystems and the successful execution of the project.
preparation and immersion
Prior to immersion, the project undergoes a rigorous preparation phase, during which each bottle is treated as an exceptional piece and secured for immersion.
The traditional solid wood cap is replaced with a compact closure combining a glass head and a synthetic stem, ensuring a secure and reliable seal. Each bottle is then carefully wrapped in PTFE tape and hand-sealed with a specialised technical wax to guarantee complete and lasting watertightness. The bottles are subsequently placed within custom-designed enclosures, engineered to protect and stabilise them in a dynamic marine environment.
The immersion is carried out by Pierre Frolla, supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts including divers, underwater engineering specialists, and safety and environmental professionals. The enclosures are gradually lowered to the immersion site using controlled lifting bags, ensuring the safety of the teams, the integrity of the bottles and the protection of the site.
maturation
Once immersed, the bottles begin their underwater maturation process.
For eight months, they are subjected to water pressure, complete darkness, minimal thermal variation and the subtle micro-movements generated by marine currents. This singular environment not only encourages a delicate evolution of the gin, but also imparts an unmistakable visual character to each bottle, as every piece gradually bears the organic imprint of marine life.
Regular inspections are conducted by divers and monitoring sensors to verify the integrity of the enclosure, the condition of the bottles and the absence of any negative impact on the surrounding marine ecosystem.
This monitoring phase ensures that each bottle remains both an expression of craftsmanship and a work shaped by nature.
retrieval
At the conclusion of their time beneath the Mediterranean, the remaining bottles are carefully brought back to the surface in a process rich in symbolism.
This moment marks the completion of a cycle during which the ocean has shaped each piece in its own way, rendering every bottle unique and impossible to replicate. The bottles are then meticulously cleaned, while preserving the traces left by the sea, authentic and natural signatures.
This retrieval is not merely a technical operation. It embodies the rebirth of each bottle, now a rare treasure uniting art de vivre with a profound commitment to the ocean.
Planning
This project begins with a meticulous phase of design and planning. Every detail is carefully considered in advance: the gradual immersion of the bottles, resistance testing of the glass and sealing systems, as well as the design and fabrication of dedicated enclosures engineered to protect and stabilise the bottles within a dynamic marine environment.
The selection of the site is equally decisive: optimal depth, current patterns, weather analysis, stable temperature conditions and the safeguarding of surrounding biodiversity. Each parameter is assessed to ensure the protection of the environment, the safety of the teams involved and the integrity of the bottles.
This preparatory phase is conducted in close collaboration with Pierre Frolla and marine environmental specialists, ensuring full respect for local ecosystems and the successful execution of the project.
Preparation and immersion
Prior to immersion, the project undergoes a rigorous preparation phase, during which each bottle is treated as an exceptional piece and secured for immersion.
The traditional solid wood cap is replaced with a compact closure combining a glass head and a synthetic stem, ensuring a secure and reliable seal. Each bottle is then carefully wrapped in PTFE tape and hand-sealed with a specialised technical wax to guarantee complete and lasting watertightness. The bottles are subsequently placed within custom-designed enclosures, engineered to protect and stabilise them in a dynamic marine environment.
The immersion is carried out by Pierre Frolla, supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts including divers, underwater engineering specialists, and safety and environmental professionals. The enclosures are gradually lowered to the immersion site using controlled lifting bags, ensuring the safety of the teams, the integrity of the bottles and the protection of the site.
Maturation
Once immersed, the bottles begin their underwater maturation process.
For eight months, they are subjected to water pressure, complete darkness, minimal thermal variation and the subtle micro-movements generated by marine currents. This singular environment not only encourages a delicate evolution of the gin, but also imparts an unmistakable visual character to each bottle, as every piece gradually bears the organic imprint of marine life.
Regular inspections are conducted by divers and monitoring sensors to verify the integrity of the enclosure, the condition of the bottles and the absence of any negative impact on the surrounding marine ecosystem.
This monitoring phase ensures that each bottle remains both an expression of craftsmanship and a work shaped by nature.
Retrieval
At the conclusion of their time beneath the Mediterranean, the remaining bottles are carefully brought back to the surface in a process rich in symbolism.
This moment marks the completion of a cycle during which the ocean has shaped each piece in its own way, rendering every bottle unique and impossible to replicate. The bottles are then meticulously cleaned, while preserving the traces left by the sea, authentic and natural signatures.
This retrieval is not merely a technical operation. It embodies the rebirth of each bottle, now a rare treasure uniting art de vivre with a profound commitment to the ocean.
Official Dive
22 june 2026
226 bottles
A PROJECT DEDICATED TO OCEAN CONSERVATION
During the Official Dive on 22 June 2026, the first numbered bottle, EXPL001, was presented by Pierre Frolla to H.S.H. Prince Albert II. Bottles EXPL002 will be presented to H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco while EXPL003 will be retained by Frolla as a testament to this historic immersion and EXPL004 will enter the Prince Explorer archives. Ten bottles, signed by the Sovereign and Frolla, will be reserved for exclusive international auctions. The entirety of the proceeds will be donated to organisations working on the front line of ocean protection.
UPON THEIR EMERGENCE, THESE BOTTLES WILL CONSTITUTE A RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL TREASURE
Beyond these auctions, each bottle from this special edition will carry a defined mission: the majority of profits will be systematically allocated to marine conservation initiatives. One quarter of this submerged treasure will be entrusted to distinguished Monegasque institutions, including SBM and the legendary Bar Américain at the Hôtel de Paris, where they will elevate signature cocktails. The remainder will be allocated to iconic establishments, luxury palaces, Michelin-starred restaurants and renowned cocktail bars and discerning private collectors worldwide. Wherever it is enjoyed, each tasting will become a tangible gesture in support of the ocean’s future.
