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VARD Group AS

World's largest explorer yachts

SYT brings you a selection of the largest explorer yachts both in build and part of the world fleet today.

The world's largest explorer yachts

A visit to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> headquarters in Turin reveals more about its yacht design projects, from the<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco reveals KAIROS: the next generation of yachting (2021-03-23 14:00:00 +0100)">&nbsp;radical Kairos concept for Oceanco</a> to the restyled production range for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess Yachts</a>.“Italian style means a sense of proportion, simplicity and harmony of lines, such that after a considerable time there is still something which is more alive than just a memory of beauty,” said Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina, founder of the eponymous Italian design house. Best known for its work with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> has arguably created more beautiful cars than any other design firm. Visiting its vast headquarters just outside Turin is a revelation; part research laboratory and part automotive museum, it is the nerve centre for a broad spectrum of design disciplines, from transport and architecture to consumer electronics, home furniture and yacht design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210196/image/large-b7b4ffa491ce61fe18c4e090709392f6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210196">The company’s involvement in the yachting sector dates back to the 1960s but took off with projects such as the Beneteau 45F5, which introduced a new aesthetic to sailboat design in 1990; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Destriero67.7m (222'1&quot;)Fincantieri Yachts1991">Destriero</a>, the record-breaking motor yacht launched by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/295" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fincantieri Yachts (Company)">Fincantieri</a> in 1991; the Primatist G46 Aerotop sports cruiser for Bruno Abbate; and the super-fast but minimalist Magnum 80 in 2008.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/45430/image/large-570ccdbf09398bd8531b8ea44bd323e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45430">“Over the last few years we’ve refocused our activities in the nautical sector and developed a consistent design language to strengthen the brand, build recognition in the market and enhance product positioning,” says Daniele Mazzon, Chief Transportation Designer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a>. “What hasn’t changed is the design DNA based on elegance, purity and innovation that runs through all our projects, whatever the discipline.”This new creative phase began in 2015 with the Ottantacinque concept for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/295" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fincantieri Yachts (Company)">Fincantieri</a>, an 85-metre motor yacht that coincided with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a>’s 85th anniversary and reunited the builder and designer after <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7764" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Destriero67.7m (222'1&quot;)Fincantieri Yachts1991">Destriero</a>. It was followed up with the 70-metre Aurea&nbsp;concept for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> named after the sectio aurea or Golden Section, the mathematical formula that describes the pleasing proportions found in nature and architecture. The 30-metre WallyCento <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tango30.48m (100'0&quot;)Persico Marine2017">Tango</a>, launched in the same year, sported a sophisticated yet ultra-lightweight interior by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a>, and the fluid exterior lines of Aurea were repeated in the Super Sport 65, another collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> in 2019. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/8400/image/large-cefa033687f88d126ba9b49581bd51d7.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/8400">But the design language developed by Mazzon and his team attained another level of maturity with two of their most recent projects. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco reveals KAIROS: the next generation of yachting (2021-03-23 14:00:00 +0100)">The 90-metre Kairos concept for Oceanco</a> and the 35-foot R35 sports boat for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess</a> may be at opposite ends of the size range, but they represent an ability to respond to very different briefs that only comes with decades of interdisciplinary creative experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193223/image/large-6bc85a3d09df455c3e9500bc15570b12.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193223"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/190530/image/large-6ffabc55cad2c4fab14efcc336df057e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/190530">“The brief from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> was for a superyacht of 90 metres in length, but under 2,000 gross tons, aimed at younger owners that may prefer to use their yacht in fixed locations rather than for moving around a lot,” says Mazzon. “It’s basically a huge dayboat and this new lifestyle at sea meant we could take a fresh look at both the exterior design and interior layout.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193148/image/large-ada3d9e0fb03f7d3a9284bf81ab56c8c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193148"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> has called Kairos “a change in the design paradigm” and its innovative nature is apparent from the asymmetrical deck arrangement and open spaces when viewed from overhead. This is partly a consequence of the volumetric requirements, but it also provides surprising outboard perspectives and inboard lighting angles. More radical is the interior layout that does away with convention completely.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206883/image/large-f8192abef3fccaa3816efd10fb89b2dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206883">“Most large yachts have the master stateroom and VIP suites on the main deck or higher, but we’ve put all the guest accommodation on the lower deck,” explains Mazzon. “In fact, we don’t have just one owner’s suite but several with opening waterside balconies. There’s also a show kitchen on the main deck and everything is arranged around a central ‘piazza’. We basically turned the traditional layout on its head, which was possible because the electric hybrid propulsion system is housed on the under-lower deck.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210190/image/large-06ddae37152ab418244b029bf84fcb07.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210190">The collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess Yachts</a> began in 2017 with the elegantly agile R35 runabout. Since then it has expanded to other models, new and existing, lending the British brand a fresh design identity in the process. By teaming up with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> and Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) Technologies, the foiling, full-carbon R35 represented a bold departure for Princess as it stepped into new market territory. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210191/image/large-faf9405d10a5acd413ac322f9cb0672d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210191">“The R35 was developed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess</a> in great secrecy because they wanted to surprise the market, which is why the prototype was heavily disguised with dazzle camouflage,” says Mazzon. “We felt very much at home with the project because at this size the design similarities between performance cars and fast boats are much more apparent.”Aerodynamic as well as hydrodynamic efficiency was essential, so the graceful windshield design was tested in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a>’s own wind tunnel facility and the sculpted vents in the stern act like NACA air intakes on a sports car to draw exhaust fumes away from the cockpit. Following the lead of some high-end performance carmakers, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess</a> also offers owners a familiarisation course prior to delivery. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210192/image/large-ff79ebc8ea5ccadd33f06b77e685274a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210192">“Something we’ve imported from the automotive world into our yacht projects is 360-degree vision that considers the object from all angles,” says Mazzon. “So the hardtop on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess</a> Y95 flybridge model, for example, has been designed to look good not just from the outside, but also when you’re standing under it. That’s not something you always see on production yachts.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210187/image/large-ec81561521a7292ef404aad8cb210535.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210187">At the Venice Boat Show in May, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> announced a new refitting division aimed at clients looking to rejuvenate or customise historic tenders and yachts. Its first project due for completion early next year is 28-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mazal28.04m (91'12&quot;)Benetti SpA1977">Mazal</a>, a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> motor yacht launched in 1977, which is being refitted in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6357" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VZ Yachts (Company)">VZ Yacht.</a> Apart from a complete interior makeover, the bulwarks have been raised to create a forward cockpit for the private use of the owner, the aft section has been lengthened and the transom angle reversed to lend the vessel a more contemporary look, an exterior staircase and composite hardtop have been added to the sundeck, and the radar mast redesigned<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197137/image/large-c76d39c85ccba54581c97eae12a69de0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197137">And as if the Italian design house did not have enough new projects on the go, it has also launched a service devoted to helm station design, a specialisation with evident links to automotive dashboards. At the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show (Company)">Monaco Yacht Show</a>, it introduced a helm station concept with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> Electro aimed at semi and full custom superyacht projects that draws on its competences in human-centric design. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> also unveiled a fast race boat project with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a> and a design collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3831" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fabbri Service srl (Company)">Fabbri Fiore</a> to develop a new series of portholes for yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210189/image/large-a368f527da053acb804742daa9e2f0b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210189">At the 2022 Dusseldorf Boat Show, Elan will display its new top-of-the-range E6 sailing yacht developed in conjunction with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Humphreys Yacht Design (Company)">Humphreys Yacht Design</a> and Gurit. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> has designed both the exterior and interior to create a sailboat that combines functionality with racing appeal and takes Elan’s design language into the future.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210197/image/large-3c9b5d8b35377c2421139f493234c16e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210197">At the end of my visit I was treated to a virtual tour of the Teorema, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a>’s fully autonomous, electric hypercar concept developed entirely using Virtual Reality. Donning a VR headset inside a showroom usually used to present real-life prototypes, I was able to walk around the car and peek inside at the futuristic interior (instead of standard doors, the roof can be raised and passengers walk inside). There is little chance the Teorema will ever go into production. Instead, it highlights the sophisticated approach to transport design <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> intends taking in the near future.This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 39 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

SYT visits Pininfarina design at the studio

SYT's Justin Ratcliffe heads to Turin to discover the secrets behind Studio Pininfarina's success.

At the studio with the perfect proportions of Pininfarina

With today’s announcement that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">Vard Shipyard</a> in Norway have secured the contract for the construction of the residential ship Somnio, and the announcement that her apartments are now available for purchase, SYT takes a closer look at the history of residential vessels. With Somnio being described by her team as a “yacht liner”, claimed by the builders to be “the largest yacht in the world”, and among “the world’s finest superyachts”, we also look at residential yachts’ encroachment on the superyacht industry, and whether designs by famous industry veterans can account for the claim of their inclusion in the superyacht canon. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199468/image/large-ae44ac417e525b32a2f24e495bed6298.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199468">Somnio is the first vessel of her kind, in reality a residential cruise ship, that echoes the lines of vessels from the superyacht industry. With the British firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch Design</a> creating her interior and exterior, together with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design AB (Company)">Tillberg Design of Sweden</a>, cruise and luxury yacht designers being commissioned for her design, the vessel has something of a superyacht pedigree. However, at 222-metres and 33,500 GT with 39 unique apartments, she cannot be considered a yacht within the parameters of the superyacht industry. Apartments aboard Somnio are offered by invitation only, and with prices for apartments upward of $8,000,000, life aboard this ship is considerably more expensive than her cruise-ship counterparts.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IJ2e6G5zxEs?&amp;t=1s&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> With Somnio set to launch in the Spring of 2024, here are some of the ships that have carved the way for her construction, beginning in the early 2000s with the residential cruise ship, The World.&nbsp;Launched in February 2001, The World was built by Norwegian shipbuilders Fosen Yard, and is designed as a residential cruise ship, with 165 private residences. Her founders built her as a result of demands coming from cruise ship passengers who wanted longer and longer voyages aboard. Aesthetically, The World makes no stake toward the superyacht industry, she is a 196-metre cruise ship with an array of residential options up-to three bedrooms.&nbsp;Following in the wake of The World, is the US-based company Storylines, who announced the design of their first vessel, Narrative, in 2019. She is due to be launched in 2024, and like Somnio, is being built to designs from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/809" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tillberg Design AB (Company)">Tillberg Design of Sweden</a>. In 2021, the company signed a deal with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4318" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Brodosplit Inc. (Company)">Brodosplit</a> shipyard, Croatia, for Narrative’s construction.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199471/image/large-35a067ec60e9cd74ed9a01a76d4f9c47.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199471"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199473/image/large-0de54058aa8a4c39f0e90ecdfe393629.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199473">At 226-metres, the ship has an array of residential apartments, ranging from studios to four bedroom family apartments, and beginning at $300,000. Like The World, Narrative has a cruise ship aesthetic, with 17 decks, three pools and more than 20 bar and dining options. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199472/image/large-4a1a776246409ac9d98044ea03ceebe2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199472">Another residential ship to be constructed is the 293-metre Njord, announced in 2020 by Ocean Residences, also with an expected delivery date of 2024. Like Somnio, Njord has been designed by a veteran of the superyacht industry, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a>, with interior design from Italian studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4308" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FM Architettura (Company)">FM Architettura</a>. Unlike Somnio, however, Njord will carry a very large number of apartments, with 118 private residences, but nevertheless, the rhetoric around the vessel describes her as a “private yacht like no other.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199487/image/large-2756f6a2677333b2f2b9019b1e865e8b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199487">There are also an array of additional vessels which have risen through the ranks over the decades, such as the 190-unit residential ‘hotel’ cruise ship, Utopia, which either never materialised, or which failed to garner the necessary funding for construction. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199486/image/large-b8648c97748d5929547e22e4c3e6a0fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199486">Though not a long term residency vessel, another ship which has garnered the title of ‘yacht’, is the Ritz-Carlton cruise ship Evrima, the first vessel of the hotel chain's ‘Yacht Collection’. With 149 suites and charters lasting between seven to 10 days, this is certainly a cruise ship, despite its contemporary, and perhaps even ‘yachty’ exterior lines. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199477/image/large-2400a4e1db881aa6a9e127c805c871fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199477">In a similar vein is the cruise ship Emerald Azzurra from Emerald Cruises, a 110-metre 'intimate' cruise ship for 100 passengers, accommodated between 50 cabins. The ship, the build of which is set to begin in 2022, even has superyacht rhetoric included in its interior arrangement, with the option for accommodation in one of the vessels 'owner's suites', inclusive of their own private decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199478/image/large-fa868d65d9a92f8a80cb310f9f66774b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199478">It is important to note that all of these vessels, The World, Somnio and Njord alike, would most likely be certified under the class of Passenger Ships, not Pleasure Crafts, regardless of the language used to describe them. It will certainly be interesting to see if a vessel like Somnio, which claims to hold a place among the superyacht fleet, will join the ranks of The World and Narrative, and also how the superyacht industry will greet a vessel like this, which echoes superyacht lines, but subverses the role superyachts play for their owners; as the ultimate item of privacy, luxury and escapism.&nbsp;

SYT unpacks the rhetoric around residential cruise ships and the use of the word 'yacht'.

World's largest yacht or not? A close-up of the rise in residential 'superyachts'

Nina Jensen, the project manager behind the multi-million dollar research project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5306" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="REV Ocean (Company)">Rev Ocean</a>, has gone public with some of the issues behind the delay to the vessel that bears the project's name, and which was due to be launched next year. With the first research voyage planned to have taken place in 2021, it is now suggested that it could be a further five years before the yacht, which is the largest superyacht in the world at 183-metres, belonging to Kjell Inge Røkke, will touch the water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/7758/image/large-f2fb0cc771df14dbf31e7aee3fa8c11f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7758">Jensen has cited technical problems with the construction, which is being undertaken by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">Vard Group</a>, including issues relating to the weight of the yacht, as cause of the delay. She is quoted in the Scandinavian publication Dagens Næringsliv as saying, “I think without a doubt that both he, I and the rest of the team are extremely frustrated, irritated, depressed – actually the whole emotional register – because we are impatient to get out to sea.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/100009/image/large-e1ac1baaefe2ce4dbdd1a970fc2216fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100009">The superyacht Rev Ocean, delayed, is an integral part of Røkke’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5306" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="REV Ocean (Company)">Rev Ocean</a> Project, and all parties are eager to get to sea to begin the planned research work. In a recent public statement, the Rev Ocean team solidified their intention to complete the vessel and embark on their research work which aims to aid ocean health across the world.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/99981/image/large-67f106d62077c99db334be6c7ba68519.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/99981">Another Scandinavian publication, the Borsen Dagbladet, reported that though the project is delayed, there is no indication that it is to be abandoned. They have also recorded that the overall cost of the superyacht may now edge toward 500 million dollars if the work continues on until 2026 as some have suggested. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/100007/image/large-a01bb42fdaaada091395ff5dec0f28f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100007"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/100014/image/large-c45435b3d2b1ebbd02914963fa5c7b19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100014">

Delays to 183m superyacht Rev Ocean revealed

Problems have been unveiled with the 183m superyacht Rev Ocean causing extensive delays, potentially of another five years.

183m superyacht project Rev Ocean delayed until at least 2024

While a superyacht can take you all over the world, a submarine can take you further. With the ability to show guests beneath surfaces both familiar and unfamiliar, a submarine not only can be useful for scientific exploration but also for providing the ultimate, rounded yachting experience. Having seen some of the latest <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4195" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Triton (Company)">Triton</a> models, such as the <a href="https://superyachtsalesandcharter.com/sales/umbra-006-triton-3300-submersible/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Umbra 006</a> and <a href="https://superyachtsalesandcharter.com/sales/umbra-007-triton-3300-submersible/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Umbra 007</a>, available for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Sales and Charter (Company)">Superyacht Sales &amp; Charter</a>, SuperYacht Times has taken a closer look at some of the world’s largest explorer yachts that carry supreme submarines: 182.9m&nbsp;REV Ocean, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a>, 2022<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/100234/image/large-49aa83c8b26aa86a8494ab2525aa7fd3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100234" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The 182.9-metre REV Ocean, is one of the largest superyacht projects to date, is currently in build by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD Group AS</a> and is expected to be completed in 2022. The explorer superyacht will be used as an ocean research vessel to gather “the knowledge that we need to understand our ocean better, and also for piloting and testing out concrete solutions to significant problems that the ocean is facing,” according to Nina Jensen the CEO of REV Ocean. The research vessel will feature state of the art research equipment including a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4195" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Triton (Company)">Triton</a> submarine that can dive to 2,300 metres and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) with a 6,00-metre depth capacity. Ready to explore like REV Ocean? Learn more about <a href="https://superyachtsalesandcharter.com/sales/umbra-006-triton-3300-submersible/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Umbra 006</a> and <a href="https://superyachtsalesandcharter.com/sales/umbra-007-triton-3300-submersible/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Umbra 007</a>, the two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4195" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Triton (Company)">Triton</a> 3300 model submarines, currently for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Sales and Charter (Company)">Superyacht Sales &amp; Charter</a>. 126.2m&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>, 2003<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/100603/image/large-2ba539e9cde15116f7b293fb32eec0d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100603">The 126.2-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> was delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> in 2003. The ice-class 1A compliant superyacht has been built for exploring some of the world’s most remote destinations including Australia, Alaska, French Polynesia, Maldives, and South Africa. In true explorer fashion, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> sports two submarines among an extensive collection of tenders and toys, an ROV capable of diving to depths of up to 1.9 miles and a Pagoo submarine that allows up to eight guests and two crew to dive for up to eight hours. 87.1m&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OceanXplorer 187.1m (285'9&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">OceanXplorer 1</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire</a>, 2010<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176174/image/large-77efb31fb1eaa4cee6aa773b3249dd62.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176174" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176187/image/large-80ba6b36ced9503f7a39aef7f62ae41a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176187" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The 87.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OceanXplorer 187.1m (285'9&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">OceanXplorer 1</a> was built in 2010 and is the world’s most advanced research vessel. With more than 80% of the world’s oceans unmapped, “The ship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OceanXplorer 187.1m (285'9&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">OceanXplorer 1</a> will take ocean explorers to never-before-seen undersea worlds and allow them to beam back what they encounter via social media, digital experiences, and a TV show,” said Ray Dalio, co-Founder of OceanX and President of Dalio Philanthropies. This will be made possible through the vessel’s two custom <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4195" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Triton (Company)">Triton</a> manned submarines with the capability to dive over 1,000 metres. She also features an ROV and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) that can be operated at 6,000 metres below sea level. 77.4m&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a>, 1974<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/40909/image/large-758d6500b4df2c3e9ce485385b84c35c.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/40909" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The 77.4-metre explorer superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> was built by the Dutch shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a> in 1974 originally as an icebreaking tug. In 2003, she was converted into the world’s first Class 1 icebreaker superyacht and in 2016 was rebuilt as an expedition superyacht. She can accommodate up to 26 guests and up to 10 expedition staff to bring guests the ultimate expedition experience. On board, among a spread of tenders and toys, is a three-person submarine with a diving depth capability of 300 metres allowing guests to explore the uncharted waters that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> can bring them to. 76.9m&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6668" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="La Datcha76.9m (252'4&quot;)Damen Yachting2020">La Datcha</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, 2020<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/180849/image/large-c22706b9c0ee221d8c531137cc6cb80c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/180849" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The 76.9-metre explorer superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6668" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="La Datcha76.9m (252'4&quot;)Damen Yachting2020">La Datcha</a> was launched and delivered in 2020 and shortly thereafter embarked on a circumnavigation to some of the world’s most remote destinations, starting her journey through the Indian Ocean. As the latest SeaXplorer from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, this luxury superyacht is adventure-ready. The Polar-Code compliant design and ice-classed hull can operate with up to 40 days of full autonomy. Guests on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6668" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="La Datcha76.9m (252'4&quot;)Damen Yachting2020">La Datcha</a> can explore the world’s least-known nooks and crannies with her custom-made three-person submersible. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/177722/image/large-71606bd44ae1d29b8c803b7c15d1ccca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/177722">To enquire about the two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4195" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Triton (Company)">Triton</a> 3300, <a href="https://superyachtsalesandcharter.com/sales/umbra-006-triton-3300-submersible/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Umbra 006</a> and <a href="https://superyachtsalesandcharter.com/sales/umbra-007-triton-3300-submersible/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Umbra 007</a>, submarines for sale with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Sales and Charter (Company)">Superyacht Sales &amp; Charter</a>, contact the broker directly via the information below:<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/177712/image/large-58978a3f01878819dcc18c7910e43ad8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/177712">

SYT takes a look at the largest yachts with submarines

SuperYacht Times takes a closer look at some of the world’s largest explorer yachts with submarines.

The largest explorer superyachts with submarines

Scheduled for completion in 2022, the 183-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/50479" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="183m REV Ocean arrives in Norway for outfitting (2019-10-02 16:00:00 +0200)">REV Ocean</a> yacht is an ocean research enterprise put in motion by Kjell Inge Røkke. Although it is the Norwegian philanthropist that has realised this exciting project, the woman at the helm of the REV Ocean operation is CEO Nina Jensen. SuperYacht Times spoke with Jensen to learn more about her role in REV Ocean and the exciting sustainability and environmental aspects of the project.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171910/image/large-c063d3e4b875dc10a6101795628ed7e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171910">Having originally specialised in marine biology, studying the impact of climate change on the reproductive success of Arctic bearded seals, Jensen spent 20 years at Norway’s World Wildlife Fund (WWF), campaigning for and implementing new conservation measures in various roles until becoming Secretary General.&nbsp;What is&nbsp;REV Ocean’s&nbsp;mission? The vessel will be used both as a platform for gathering the knowledge that we need to understand our ocean better, and also for piloting and testing out concrete solutions to significant problems that the ocean is facing.&nbsp;Working with scientists and other NGOs, our mission is to widen our knowledge and understanding of the ocean and to make these findings more readily available so that the right data falls into the hands of the right decision-makers: the people who have the power to implement concrete solutions.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171911/image/large-01120f10b1f249ca0cd8f0dac941a215.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171911">How did you get involved in the REV Ocean project? I first encountered Kjell Inge Røkke and the Aker family of companies through my work at the WWF. He approached me with the idea of building a new research vessel at an early stage of the project and sought my assistance in the development of the concept, and so my influence in the project grew.&nbsp;Over that first year in 2016/17, he called me nearly every day, asking if I would come and work for him full time and leave the WWF. I turned him down every single day for about a year. I was sceptical about whether he was indeed serious, but after working with him for that period, I realised that he is equally passionate about the ocean as I am.&nbsp;I couldn’t think of a better plan of attack than combining my conservation and biology skills with the business savvy of an industrialist and a capitalist with enough money to actually make things happen. That is when I decided that I have to do this, and I have not regretted it for a single day since.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171912/image/large-04c4a7d93d3811ff5678b6a143b068ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171912">How can superyacht owners help protect the oceans? I see a lot of potential in the broader maritime community and particularly in the yachting world. Most of the people with the privilege of owning a superyacht are likely very wealthy, so making sure that wealth is not supporting environmentally harmful activities can have a big impact already.&nbsp;Superyacht owners can also make an analysis of where their impact leaves the biggest footprints and then take the necessary steps to rectify that. For example, switching to alternative fuels or energy sources, implementing stricter requirements around product sourcing, and investing in sustainable practices and initiatives. For this group of individuals who get so much joy from the ocean, being able to pay back in a way and make a difference while also enjoying the sea is really the only way we should go forward. It’s yachting with a purpose.How is&nbsp;REV Ocean&nbsp;minimising its impact on the environment? The construction process itself has a large CO2 footprint, but we are offsetting all of our emissions to ensure we are ‘planet positive’. We have chosen mangrove restoration as the means for compensating for our carbon emissions by financially supporting a <a href="https://www.myclimate.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsbfphfSV6wIVDdd3Ch1XjghaEAAYASAAEgIM6PD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">myclimate</a> project in the Ayeyarwady Delta in Myanmar. Offsetting is a good start, but the ideal would be to eliminate our carbon and other environmental footprints from the onset, of course. To that extent, we have a zero single-use plastics policy on board REV Ocean with water fountains around the vessel to refill reusable bottles, eco-friendly uniforms and responsibly-sourced food that is served on board. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/100234/image/large-49aa83c8b26aa86a8494ab2525aa7fd3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100234">What hybrid technology will&nbsp;REV Ocean&nbsp;be running on to ensure a low carbon footprint? We have a diesel-electric propulsion system to enable as much electric propulsion as possible. Still, given that we will be operating in very challenging ocean environments and will be out at sea for long periods, we could not rely on full-electric solutions just yet. Having said that, the boat is designed to be future-proof with the flexibility to integrate newer and greener systems when they become available.

Five questions with Nina Jensen

CEO of the REV Ocean project, SYT speaks with Nina Jensen about the project’s sustainability and environmental aspects

Five questions with REV Ocean CEO Nina Jensen

After departing the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> shipyard in Romania <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/worlds-largest-yacht-183m-rev-ocean" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">following her launch in August</a>, the 182.9-metre 17,440 GT yacht REV Ocean has arrived in Norway for the next phase of construction. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> shipyard in Norway will equip the floating steel hull with her technical and scientific equipment until April 2020, where she will then be transported to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1075" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd Werft (Company)">Lloyd Werft</a> in Bremerhaven, Germany for final outfitting ahead of her delivery in early 2021. REV Ocean is the world's largest superyacht and will be capable of conducting missions around the globe researching the marine ecosystem, the impact of CO2, plastic pollution, and unsustainable fishing. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/100009/image/large-e1ac1baaefe2ce4dbdd1a970fc2216fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100009"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/100010/image/large-3a9d7e2c4ab2c5a0c084c6378ea7d54a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100010">Nina Jensen, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5306" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="REV Ocean (Company)">REV Ocean</a>, said: “Today is one of the most exciting moments in the development of our research vessel. We now watch with great anticipation as she will develop into a full-fledged and operational vessel with state of the art scientific equipment to be installed by the talented team at VARD Brattvaag. This is a major milestone towards achieving our mission of achieving one healthy ocean.” &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/100014/image/large-c9d23736976c663a36f9e1484a6de172.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100014"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/100011/image/large-0058c4234533b0ba4f9b3b16d0652e0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100011">George Gill, Project Director and owner’s representative, said: “REV’s arrival in Brattvåg is a crucial step in her development, she will lay here in Norway for the coming months, and this establishes the core groundwork for the research and operations of the vessel. Getting these important systems and her keystone machinery right is critical to her success and position within the world's research fleet. We have an excellent collaboration with VARD and the whole of the owner's team look forward to these months ahead and REV’s delivery to us and the next phase of her gestation.” &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/100013/image/large-7b69977b6da4acb19fae1e807fcae204.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100013">REV Ocean is the design work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> and can carry up to 55 scientists and 35 crew members in research mode, or up to 36 guests and 54 crew if being used for luxury expeditions. Her interiors will feature the work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a> and carry equipment such as scientific trawls, sonar systems, laboratories, auditorium, moonpool, Triton submarine that can dive 2,300 metres, an ROV with 6,000-metre depth capacity and advanced communication equipment. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/100012/image/large-482a148eab0652a8fc038dfc54ccfefb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100012">“At VARD we have long experience in building sophisticated and exciting vessels, but the size, complexity, and purpose of this vessel add extra enthusiasm for all parties involved. We expect high activity at our yard in Brattvåg as our employees eagerly take on the outfitting phase. This project also generates a positive spinoff effect in Norway outside VARD,” commented Erik Haakonsholm, the new General Manager of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> offshore and specialised vessels and head of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> Design. &nbsp; <img src="/uploads/store/photo/100007/image/large-a01bb42fdaaada091395ff5dec0f28f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100007"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/100008/image/large-00f4246c2bab8320190e3783603c71a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100008">Dag Vikestrand, Yard Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> Brattvaag says: “We would like to thank our colleagues at VARD Tulcea for their contributions so far in this exciting and innovative project, and we are looking forward to continuing the outfitting and completion of the vessel in close cooperation with the REV Ocean team and all other parties involved.” &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/100015/image/large-00e81371282a3f534024be04539b3637.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100015"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/100016/image/large-12342efaf7aa2829edacd00918560038.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100016">Oystein Mikelborg, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5306" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="REV Ocean (Company)">REV Ocean</a> Operations Director, added: “The arrival in Brattvåg is a major milestone and a new chapter for REV Ocean. In the next few months, VARD Brattvaag will turn this into one of the world’s most advanced research vessels. The complexity and sheer scale of the work ahead is challenging, and I know it will be very busy days ahead both for the yard and the owner’s team. Modern multi-purpose research vessels are notoriously complex as there are so many sensitive systems that need to work seamlessly together. However, given VARD’s track record of building complex world-class vessels, we are confident in their ability to make REV Ocean the vessel we have envisioned.” &nbsp;

183m yacht REV Ocean arrives in Norway for outfitting

The 182.9-metre 17,440 GT yacht REV Ocean has arrived in Norway for the next phase of construction ahead of her 2021 delivery. 

183m REV Ocean arrives in Norway for outfitting

After days of preparation, the 182.9-metre 17,440GT yacht Research Expedition Vessel (REV Ocean)&nbsp;has been launched in Tulcea, Romania. Built by commercial shipbuilder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a>, REV Ocean was designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Oeino</a> for expedition activities carried out by marine experts and researchers. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/94822/image/large-eb70d16c2b0b9611d6b243d26c688d5c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94822"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/94821/image/large-1d52f0b26377876b7177ea64eb1df7b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94821">In research mode, she can carry up to 60 scientists and 30 crew members or up to 36 guests and 54 crew if being used for luxury expeditions. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H2 Yacht Design (Company)">H2 Yacht Design</a> has designed the interiors of the explorer yacht.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/94823/image/large-e68b02393dc46cb568abf2413cfaf716.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94823">George Gill, Project Director and Owners Representative, said: “It is an emotive experience launching REV. To have developed and overseen REV from a blank piece of paper three and half years ago has been a challenging, educational, rewarding experience, the project evolved into something far more complicated and ambitious than I ever assumed and it has been a personal career highlight. Our Build Team, VARD Group and our Partners have worked and are working incredibly hard realising Mr Kjell Inge Røkkes wishes to create this amazing vessel. We still have a long way to go and a lot of hard graft ahead, but I cannot wait to get her to Norway and start the next phase. REV will be a truly inspiring vessel in looks and purpose when we deliver her to REV Ocean”.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-8NUbqiHgX8?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe><img src="/uploads/store/photo/94824/image/large-81cabd517714e0041516cad73c8d015d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94824"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/94825/image/large-f04b597cb30675f0b5344d62c44102ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94825">Performance-wise, 4x Wärtsilä 8L26 2.7 MW ea engines will enable REV Ocean to reach a maximum speed of 17.8 knots. Also with a dynamic positioning system, she can reach a range of 21,120 nautical miles when travelling at 11 knots - which is enough to cover the equivalent of 98% of the distance around Earth.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/94826/image/large-b944420e21ca1165bee9eeefb91b19ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94826"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/94827/image/large-8a5558ef3ddb269f1f77e9635fca8115.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94827">With SuperYacht Times having followed the construction of REV Ocean since the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/182m-espen-oeino-designed-research-expedition-vessel-coming-in-2020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">contract was first announced in early 2017</a>, REV Ocean&nbsp;will now be transported to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> shipyard in Brattvag, Norway, where she will remain for up to eight months for outfitting. Final completion is scheduled to happen in Germany, where she will be delivered during the first quarter of 2021.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/94828/image/large-0ffaa533198ced9f81628267f29d48be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94828">

World's largest superyacht launched: The 183m REV Ocean

The 182.9-metre 17,440GT yacht Research Expedition Vessel (REV Ocean) has been launched and is the world's largest yacht. 

World's largest yacht launched: The 183m REV Ocean

In preparation of her upcoming launch, new images of the world’s largest superyacht REV have been released. Measuring 182.9 metres and built by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> shipyard in Romania, REV is the result of a close collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> and the project’s Norwegian owner, Kjell Inge Røkke and family. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/94365/image/large-49e28fb220741cd79b336a46b1b64902.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94365"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/94366/image/large-3fac072e7b3357fba5160c8c48c1573b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94366">Once she has been launched, REV will be pulled by the tug boat Kamarina for approximately 35 days to reach the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> shipyard in Brattvag, Norway, where she will remain for up to eight months for outfitting. <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/rev-yacht-construction-update" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Having followed her progress throughout</a>, final completion is scheduled to happen in Germany, where she will be delivered during the first quarter of 2021.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/94368/image/large-65e1527bd32970cff50f6a788ac1809e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94368"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/94369/image/large-6392f7094f4dcb17580ea56df02cd9cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94369"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/94367/image/large-4c30c6e7524b93629bbac1de40d6b9db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94367"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/94370/image/large-0bf83efcb802e9a6d8ae52503ff472dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94370">Check back with SuperYacht Times for more details as they are released ahead of her pending launch.

Preparation underway for launch of 182m superyacht REV

In preparation of her upcoming launch, new images of the world’s largest superyacht REV have been released. 

REV,&nbsp;the world's largest superyacht is beginning to take shape at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">VARD</a> shipyard in Tulcea, Romania. Measuring 182.9 metres and designed with a heavy focus on the environment, REV is being built by the commercial shipbuilder VARD and is the result of a close collaboration between the well-known superyacht designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Oeino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> and the project’s Norwegian owner, Kjell Inge Røkke and family. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/67180/image/large-a39e8311eb2a82bb852ada7821f6087b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67180">With the construction of the vessel planned in several stages, keel laying of the vessel was carried out in April 2018. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/67208/image/large-c8e982aa285088d2bdca7b36d8076be7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67208">As the brainchild of owner Røkke, REV is designed with worldwide research and expedition activities in mind and will be used by marine experts and researchers to study and address the ocean's environmental changes. As a consequence,&nbsp;REV is being built with numerous eco-friendly and sustainable energy solutions, including a slim hull line and efficient wave-cutting bulb to help reduce fuel consumption from the medium-speed engines.&nbsp;In addition, heat recovery from the four generators provides hot water and heating for the vessel and the generators are fully Tier III-certified, with DPF (diesel particulate filters) found on two of them.&nbsp;<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOceanREV%2Fvideos%2F801336483564498%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="710" height="390" style="border:none;overflow:hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" class="fr-draggable"></iframe><img src="/uploads/store/photo/67207/image/large-4060a9cb9c1159626f9cc048cb5c95b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67207">In terms of the boat's specifications, her hull spans 22 metres across and draws 5.25 metres below the waterline under light ship conditions, sticking 42 metres above the waterline. Combined with her impressive length of 182.9 metres, this equates to a total of 17,440 GT.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/67205/image/large-3b5572dfe34818f276beeeefbc3f9089.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67205">Performance-wise, 4x Wärtsilä 8L26 2.7 MW ea engines will enable REV to reach a maximum speed of 17.8 knots and she also comes with a dynamic positioning system. Her incredible range of 21,120 nautical miles at 11 knots would enable her to cover the equivalent of 98% of the distance around our planet. In research mode, she can carry up to 60 scientists and 30 crew members and comes equipped with facilities for scientists and crew, including TV and recreational lounges, a gym and mingling zone. During luxury expedition trips, REV is designed to host up to 36 guests together with a company of 54 crew members.<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOceanREV%2Fvideos%2F252314075697413%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="710" height="390" style="border:none;overflow:hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" class="fr-draggable"></iframe><img src="/uploads/store/photo/67179/image/large-21122297bad5d34b2a90d94717903326.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67179">In an <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/espen-oino-norway-rev-and-how-we-re-killing-our-own-industry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">interview</a> with SuperYacht Times in 2017, designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Oeino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> commented on the project: “The owner is a very competitive guy and a very interesting character, and he’s pushing the boundaries a lot. He is somebody that is extremely practical with serious knowledge of boats, ships and nautical industries - he’s made all of his money through the sea in one way or another, from fishing to shipping to oil and gas. So he knows his stuff. He is somebody who is a perfect example of someone who loves to be involved in the project."<img src="/uploads/store/photo/67235/image/large-3726088650b5003261184e8f1a2889d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67235">He continued, “For us and for him, it’s a very different project because a lot of it is about giving back. He has signed the Just Giving pledge with Bill Gates, and this is part of it. So the boat is for scientists, for school children, for classes, to go and do research expeditions. He understands that we need to do something about the environment… This project goes beyond what we usually do.” <img src="/uploads/store/photo/67234/image/large-7c0c9078a2a1421505dc4f3acd7287b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67234">

Construction progressing on REV yacht 

The 182.9m REV yacht is coming together at the Vard shipyard in Romania. See more on SYT. 

Construction progressing on world's largest superyacht: REV 

Although very large superyachts, those measuring over 80 metres in length, only account for 2.6% of the active superyacht fleet, when looking at the actual number of vessels, 80-metre plus superyachts’ overall share in terms of gross tonnage (GT) of the global superyacht fleet is ten times larger, equal to 26%. As the size of the biggest superyachts continues to grow, the economic impact of these behemoths on the superyacht industry will only increase with time.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65382/image/large-f738289defb38432279b5df3c5e1416e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65382">2018 was a good year for the sales of new and used large superyachts. In fact, this sub-segment has outperformed the overall superyacht market as a whole this year. Newbuild sales in the 80-metre plus segment doubled compared to 2017, while the total number of newbuild sales of superyachts over 30 metres remained stable. 14 new superyachts measuring over 80 metres were sold in 2018 in comparison to seven newbuild sales in the same segment in 2017.&nbsp;However, in order to put things into perspective, it should be noted that sales of 80-metre plus newbuilds have averaged close to ten superyachts a year since 2006. We use this year as our starting point because it was the first year in which sales of these yachts exceeded ten newbuilds a year. Prior to 2006, sales in this segment were much lower, with usually only a handful of newbuild sales per year.&nbsp;The increase in sales from 2006 onwards has led to a very young fleet: 75 out of 127 active 80-metre plus yachts were delivered from 2008 on. Building on speculation is still rare in this segment, with only six out of 127 active yachts known to have been started on speculation.Given the relatively small size of the 80-metre plus fleet (in number of yachts, that is), transactions involving used yachts in this segment are few and far between. Since 2000, we have seen fewer than four yachts change hands per year on average, with some years showing no transactions at all. 2018 has seen some big-ticket sales once more, with the highlight being <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>’ sale of the 110-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4796" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jubilee110.1m (361'3&quot;)Oceanco2017">Jubilee</a>, delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> in 2017.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65381/image/large-f69606a10908192a26b1230450ac3732.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65381">The builders<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> is the clear market leader in the 80-metre plus superyacht segment, having built 29 of the 127 yachts in the fleet and accounting for close to a third of the fleet in terms of gross tonnage. The only other yards to have built more than two 80-metre plus superyachts in the current active fleet are <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> (17 yachts), <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> (12 yachts), <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> (eight yachts, but now part of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>) and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> (five yachts).&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> also tops the construction book for very large yachts. Of the 40 publicly known 80-metre-plus superyachts in build, nine are under construction at the famous German yard. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> accounts for six projects, while four projects are under construction at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>. Another builder with an impressive order book of very large yachts is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, which currently has three projects over 100 metres under construction, with two of those already launched.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65383/image/large-929707951ae4f2f08595cfe00cc18591.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65383">The remaining 18 yachts under construction are divided across 15 yards. One yard working on a unique project is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">Vard</a> from Norway. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4590" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VARD Group AS (Company)">Vard</a>, a subsidiary of Italian yard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/295" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fincantieri Yachts (Company)">Fincantieri</a>, is building what is set to be the world’s largest yacht, both in length and gross tonnage: the 182-metre, 17,440 GT REV Ocean. REV Ocean will be a combined research vessel and superyacht, for Norway’s richest man.Norwegian yards, normally known for their prowess in offshore and fishing vessels, have made their mark on the very large superyacht market in recent years due to the increased interest in explorer yachts, which borrow some features from the aforementioned types of utility vessels. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2996" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kleven Maritime AS (Company)">Kleven</a> delivered the 107m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4946" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andromeda107.0m (351'1&quot;)Kleven Maritime AS2016">Andromeda</a> (ex-Ulysses) and 116m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5796" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulysses116.0m (380'7&quot;)Kleven Maritime AS2018">Ulysses</a>, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4539" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulstein Verft AS (Company)">Ulstein</a> is building the 89-metre Olivia O, whereas the construction of the long-delayed 81-metre PJ World appears to have regained traction at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4844" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Westcon (Company)">Westcon</a> yard.&nbsp;Very large explorer yachts don't only come in the shape of newbuilds. 13 yachts, or 10% of the active fleet, were converted from merchant ships.Market outlookMore and more yards are eying up the prospects of the 80-metre plus market, with a number of yards investing heavily in new drydocks and building halls, often capable of accommodating newbuilds up to 140 metres in length. At the same time, commercial yards are entering the fray as they attempt to tap into the growth in demand for explorer yachts.&nbsp;The current order book for very large superyachts promises to grow the active fleet by a third in a matter of years. So, while the pie is growing, there are also more and more players looking to have a piece of it. At the same time, only a very limited number of yards can pride themselves on having made multiple 80-metre plus deliveries, so they are likely to firmly cement their position in the market.<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription"></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://www.superyachttimes.com/uploads/store/photo/55401/image/large-6524e9c9dfc37e22bf131ecc39bea57e.png" alt="New Subscribe Button"></a>This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">Subscribe now&nbsp;</a>to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription"></a>

The 80 metre yacht market explored

Learn about the 80 metre yacht market and what makes these yachts special.

The over 80-metre market: large and in charge

Born and bred in Norway and departing as a teenager to study in Normandy, it’s apparent as soon as I sit down in Espen Øino’s Monegasque office that Øino’s Scandinavian motherland is at the heart of everything close to him. “Five generations of wooden boatbuilding on my father’s side in the mountains of Norway,” he tells me, “and on my mother’s side, my family had a maintenance shipyard and were involved with building engines. But I’m not unique, many people have this heritage in Norway.” Unique or not, Norway is the root of his natural enthusiasm for the water, for boats, for nature, the environment, and, actually, is the real reason behind his aforementioned modest demeanour. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/14601/image/large-b8a00a6c7ffaa0bca1dde0014b6f136a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/14601">Photo by Guillaume PlissonThis humility is one of the most interesting characteristics of Espen Øino. It’s not that it is expected of successful figures to be overly confident, self congratulatory, or even egotistical - but Øino is the polar opposite. Though certainly self-assured, he actively shirks away from showering himself with praise and is downright uncomfortable when others try to do so (I don’t know,” he quickly shrugs off as I pose his reputation to him, “I just forget about all that stuff. It’s very embarrassing to read it about yourself.”). This discomfort is quickly attributed to Janteloven, or the Law of Jante - a Scandinavian ideology that encourages putting society before the individual, discouraging putting your head and shoulders above anyone else. “The Law of Jante can be summarised as ‘Don’t think you’re better than anyone else’,” Øino explains. “Do your stuff, do it well, but don’t go out and brag about it. So there is something inherently within me that means I have a problem with highlighting myself or showing off and saying that we’re the best.” &nbsp;This deep-rooted societal philosophy is not limited to personal encounters with Øino and is also the justification behind the studio’s distinct lack of online presence. In fact, anybody eager to learn more about Espen Øino International on the world wide web will be surprised to find nought but a static homepage at the company’s website completed simply with an address, telephone number and logo. “I don’t want to shout from the rooftops that everyone should look at us. And so many of our projects are confidential, so we can’t really talk about anything anyway. I made an executive decision not to do the website many years ago and have stuck to that… I was, however, recently in Australia with Guillaume Plisson, and we were shooting one of the Silver boats. He introduced me to Instagram and I have been hooked since. But the Law of Jante is deeply rooted in the Scandinavian mind, and that is at least my own analysis of the lack of website and general digital presence.”&nbsp;Whether or not Janteloven is a valid excuse for a lack of online presence in an increasingly digital world aside, the theme of modesty is not one that usually goes hand in hand with the superyacht industry… and neither is Monaco and an aversion to the luxury lifestyle. But somehow, Øino proves that both of these things can be true in one capacity or another: “I instantly felt that this was the place for me when I came to Monaco,”&nbsp;he remembers.&nbsp;“Not for the glamour - I couldn’t care less about that side of things - but the proximity to the sea and the mountains. I had never seen so many boats in my life back in ‘81.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/14602/image/large-bff16edcde0df0695c94917d1321a950.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/14602">Espen Øino studying in NormandyBeing told that the person in front of you is not interested in glamour and wealth is a hard pill to swallow when you’re sat eating lunch together at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the conversation constantly veering off on rather spectacular tangents of exclusive Dolce &amp; Gabbana weekend events and hanging out with Hollywood’s most celebrated movie producers… and of course, it’s true that Espen Øino is fully part of the luxury lifestyle. From dining in the world’s finest restaurants with some of the planet’s wealthiest people to enjoying plenty of time onboard his own designed superyachts, to even just living in Monaco… he is part of it. But what is interesting is that though this lifestyle is what, undoubtedly, attracts many to the world of superyachts, it’s hard not to believe Øino when he says that, genuinely, he is just a hardworking guy passionate about boats, the sea and design. “The pleasure is being on the water. Of course, it’s great to be on a 70-metre superyacht, but it can also be a sea kayak, a stand-up paddleboard, a 4-metre boat with a little outboard - I don’t care. I’ve spent a lot of time on the water and I always find pleasure in it - luxurious or not.”&nbsp;It’s one thing to say you’re passionate about boats no matter the size, but Øino designs superyachts. The millionaire's plaything, the floating palaces on the sea: the epitome of luxury. However, luxury, he persists, is something that doesn’t necessarily have to be at the heart of superyachting and, so he says, the industry is shooting itself in the foot by providing only one real option for superyacht owners. “One of the problems people have with yachting is rather self-inflicted,” he muses. “We think of our industry as luxurious, but it does not have to be that way: a yacht does not have to be pretentious. When you see the level of detailing and finishing that you see onboard yachts, you very rarely see that in the same clients’ homes and offices. They are not as demanding with these assets as they are with their yachts. The price per square metre on board a yacht is incredible. We’re at the risk of killing our own industry here. Some people have started thinking that this is crazy - and it is.”Though the uber-opulent state of superyachting has never been Øino’s main attraction to designing boats - (“Growing up in Norway, my idea of what I would be designing was more focused on the small motor boats and sailing yachts. Designing these big yachts that we do here… that was kind of accidental.”) - the success that has followed every Øino-stamped project from his first superyacht project, the 74.5-metre ECO designed by Martin Francis, to one of his latest, the 106-metre Lürssen-built Amadea, has allowed him the freedom in his career to follow his true passions 25+ years down the line. “We’re doing a lot of tenders and small boats now,” he says. “I like doing less glamorous boats. I’m in the fortunate position where I can do more of what I like, and I like these boats. They’re more relatable. You can buy them and drive them yourself. So, the next thing is small production boats - we’re starting now with a Norwegian manufacturer.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/14604/image/large-37b84ee9f8a04f65aeb11d914512de03.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/14604">Amadea“Many people tell me that I shouldn’t do it,” he continues, setting himself apart once more from the typical expectations of a Monegasque-living superyacht designer, “That I’m diluting my ‘brand’. But I don’t care! I like this. I’ve always been fascinated by ships, and if I think there’s something in this tender or on a cruise ship that I can improve, then why not do it? My philosophy is do something because you like to do it, and never do it for the money.”Smaller boats, tenders and cruise ships aside, one of the most exciting projects to be revealed by Espen Øino International - and one that is also certainly something different to the Øino vessels we are used to - is the REV project. Measuring 181.6-metres and with a heavy focus on the environment, the REV project will be built by the commercial shipbuilder VARD and is the result of a close collaboration between Espen Øino International and the project’s Norwegian owner, Kjell Inge Røkke. “We’ve been working on the REV project for around a year and honestly, in the beginning, it wasn’t this big. The owner is a very competitive guy and a very interesting character, and he’s pushing the boundaries a lot. He is somebody that is extremely practical with serious knowledge of boats, ships and nautical industries - he’s made all of his money through the sea in one way or another, from fishing to shipping to oil and gas. So he knows his stuff. He is somebody who is a perfect example of someone who loves to be involved in the project.&nbsp;“For us and for him, it’s a very different project because a lot of it is about giving back. He has signed the Just Giving pledge with Bill Gates, and this is part of it. So the boat is for scientists, for school children, for classes, to go and do research expeditions. He understands that we need to do something about the environment… This project goes beyond what we usually do.” Construction of the vessel will take place in several stages, with the hull to be built at VARD’s Tulcea facility in Romania. It will then be towed to the company’s shipyard in Brattvaag, Norway, for outfitting, and following hand over to her owner in Norway in the summer of 2020, the ship will be returned to Romania where fairing, deck-laying and finalisation of the accommodation areas will take place.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/7759/image/large-6e9cda5054478c3c8d6bbabee1a50f45.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7759">Project REV&nbsp;Another clear indicator of his passion and almost disconnect with the hyper-lux world he finds himself in is that, for several years now, Øino has been developing a true passion project for himself. Talking of the project whilst showing me the erratic Fjord-invaded coastline of Norway, he says: “I have a personal project to go and cruise the entire coast of Norway on a small boat, but that will be in a couple of years. I have my own design for a boat for myself to actually go and do this. It’s a 14-metre boat which has been on the backburner for the past six or seven years - a fast, fast, fast boat designed specifically to go around the Norwegian coast.” Though he is, indeed, in a position to do what he wants - why hasn’t this boat come to fruition yet? “The thing that holds me back from making this thing a reality is time. I have obligations to my clients, and life is all about priorities... but hopefully, this will get built one day.” It’s almost a bit comforting to know that even some of the world’s most successful people have dreams on the backburner.&nbsp;So what’s the next for Espen Øino International? Inevitably, confidentiality clauses prevent Øino from spilling even one drop of information regarding the doubtless cool projects in the pipeline so, aside from the REV project and a small cruise ship for a Norwegian builder, time will have to tell. Perhaps we will spot Øino happily cruising the extensive coast of his motherland sometime soon, perhaps not. For now, at least, all that’s left is to continue to be the one, the only, Espen Øino.

Espen Øino: Norway, REV and how we’re killing our own industry

Commercial shipbuilder, VARD, a company belonging to the Fincantieri Group, has announced a contract for the design and construction of a 181.6-metre Research Expedition Vessel (REV). Developed by VARD, the project involves close collaboration between well-known superyacht designer Espen Oeino and the project’s Norwegian owner, Kjell Inge Røkke and his family.Construction of the vessel will take place in several stages, with the hull to be built at VARD’s Tulcea facility in Romania. It will then be towed to the company’s shipyard in Brattvaag, Norway for outfitting, and following hand over to her owner in Norway in the summer of 2020, the ship will be returned to Romania where fairing, deck-laying and finalisation of the accommodation areas will take place.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/7759/image/large-6e9cda5054478c3c8d6bbabee1a50f45.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7759"> As the brainchild of Røkke, and working together with the World Wildlife Fund Norway, the REV is designed with worldwide research and expedition activities in mind. The ship will be used by researchers and marine experts to study and understand the ocean’s environmental changes and to address these critical issues. It is, therefore, no surprise to find that the REV is fitted with a number of eco-friendly and sustainable energy solutions. Just some of these include a slim hull line and efficient wave-cutting bulb to help reduce fuel consumption from the medium-speed engines. Further below the waterline is an energy recovery rudder system and battery package with an exhaust cleaning system.Røkke gives some insight about the concept behind this project: “There may not be any economic rationale for the private construction of such a ship, but the case is compelling from the oceans’ point of view. I look forward to working with scientists, marine experts, environmentalists and positive, knowledgeable, solution-oriented people both in Norway and internationally. The ship will be offered as an arena for scientists and explorers from all over the world. The vessel will be built to the highest standard making it suitable for charter to private individuals, companies and institutions, which will generate research funding, and my family and I will also charter and use the ship as a place for recreation and inspiration."<img src="/uploads/store/photo/7758/image/large-f2fb0cc771df14dbf31e7aee3fa8c11f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7758"> In terms of specifications, the REV’s numbers read as follows: her hull spans 22 metres across and draws 5 metres below the waterline under light ship conditions, sticking 40 metres above the waterline. This, together with her impressive length, equates to a total Gross Tonnage of 16,000 GT. Her two 2,400 eKw Caterpillar engines will drive the REV to a max speed of 17 knots and at half load, will be able to cruise non-stop for 21,120 nautical miles (that is 98% of the distance around our planet). In research mode, she can carry up to 60 scientists and 40 crew members. During luxury expedition trips the REV is designed to host up to 36 guests together with a company of 54 crew members.“REV will probably be the most important ship I’ve ever worked on,” comments Espen Oeino. “It will also be the most special one – the vessel needs to meet the highest standards in so many areas at the same time. REV will operate under demanding climatic conditions, accommodate some of the most advanced research equipment and at the same time have a standard that is required for charter within this market. By combining knowledge, research and financial resources, my hope is that REV will make an important contribution to addressing and solving the challenges faced by the oceans.”For more information on this exciting project, check out its own website <a href="http://www.rosellinisfour-10.no/" target="_blank">here</a>.