SOCCO puts a lot of consideration, planning and energy into initiating and strengthening strategic international partnerships in order to build our access to skills through training and collaboration, particularly in areas that are outside of SOCCO’s immediate expertise. The newly acquired skills gained from these collaborations adds knowledge and expertise to the South African scientific community. At the same time, these strategic partnerships build national and international exposure of the world-leading capability for Southern Ocean carbon-climate research emanating from South Africa.