OceanXplorer 1 Yacht News & Events

Volstad Surveyor ahead of her conversion into Alucia 2

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Oceanxplorer research vessel 

Volstad Surveyor wheelhouse

Alucia 2 exploration vessel exterior rendering

Alucia 2

Alucia 2 profile rendering

Volstad Surveyor under construction at Freire Shipyard

OceanXplorer research vessel

OceanXplorer research vessel dry lab 2

OceanXplorer research vessel mission control

OceanXplorer research vessel wet room

OceanXplorer research vessel sub hangar

Oceanxplorer research vessel mission control

OceanXplorer research vessel submersible operations

OceanXplorer Triton Submarines 

Oceanxplorer research vessel submersible

Oceanxplorer research vessel sub deck

Oceanxplorer research vessel Triton submersible

Alucia2 expedition yacht

Alucia2 expedition yacht profile

Alucia 2 yacht submersible hanger

Alucia2 expedition yacht mission control

Alucia2 expedition yacht media lab

Alucia2 expedition yacht dry lab

Alucia 2 yacht wet lab 

OceanXplorer research vessel on the North Sea

OceanXplorer 1

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.

Video: The world's largest explorer yachts

The 111.85-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Renaissance111.85m (366'12&quot;)Freire Shipyard2023">Renaissance</a> has been delivered to her new owner. The flagship motor yacht, also known as hull NB724, is the largest superyacht, by length, to have been built by the shipyard and is currently Spain's largest ever yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279402/image/large-a9f505c880254c42709f7d265b174bf5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279402">With an interior volume of 7,200 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Renaissance111.85m (366'12&quot;)Freire Shipyard2023">Renaissance</a> features interior and exterior design from London-based design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Bannenberg &amp; Rowell Design</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2997" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marin Teknikk AS (Company)">Marin Teknikk AS</a> managed the yacht's naval architecture, and it is the first time the Norway-based firm has collaborated with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Bannenberg &amp; Rowell Design</a>.Very few details have been unveiled about the steel and aluminium superyacht, but the first images of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Renaissance111.85m (366'12&quot;)Freire Shipyard2023">Renaissance</a> in March 2023 revealed she has a helipad on her bow, and a swimming pool on her main aft deck.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell's 112m Freire superyacht NB724 begins sea trials (2023-06-13 11:00:00 +0200)">Bannenberg &amp; Rowell's 112m Freire superyacht NB724 begins sea trials</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279416/image/large-8b4ee0fb3224f116ee6852243b80af3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279416">"We want to thank the more than 600 people who have worked on this project over the last years. Both direct personnel from the shipyard, subcontractors, suppliers, financial entities, and the classification society involved in this incredible project," said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Friere Shipyard</a>. "We extend a special and heartfelt thanks to the shipowner for placing their trust in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire Shipyard</a>."<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Renaissance111.85m (366'12&quot;)Freire Shipyard2023">Renaissance</a> will be available to charter this summer in the Mediterranean with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a>.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire</a> are no stranger to large superyachts and previously launched the 110.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10993" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Falkor (Too)110.6m (362'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2011">Falkor (Too)</a> and the 73.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3066" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Naia73.6m (241'6&quot;)Freire Shipyard2011">Naia</a> superyacht in 2011.The Spain-based shipyard also announced in September 2022 that they had laid the keel of new 100m+ superyacht explorer. It is expected that her hull and superstructure will be completed in August 2023, ahead of her delivery in 2024.

Spain’s largest superyacht Renaissance delivered

The 112m Freire superyacht Renaissance has been delivered to her new owner. She is currently Spain's largest yacht.

Spain’s flagship 112m Freire superyacht Renaissance delivered

The 111.85-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire Shipyard</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Renaissance111.85m (366'12&quot;)Freire Shipyard2023">Freire 112m Explorer</a>, Spain's largest ever yacht, has begun her sea trials ahead of delivery later this year. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Renaissance111.85m (366'12&quot;)Freire Shipyard2023">Hull NB724</a> features a complete design from London-based design studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Bannenberg &amp; Rowell Design</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273819/image/large-750e2c7dd3fff635f1d2776aab07025d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273819">With an interior volume of over 6,500 GT, she is the largest superyacht, by length, to have been built by the shipyard. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2997" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marin Teknikk AS (Company)">Marin Teknikk AS</a> have managed the yacht's naval architecture, and it is the first time the firm has collaborated with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Bannenberg &amp; Rowell Design</a>. The superyacht features a helipad on her bow and a swimming pool on the her main aft deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261220/image/large-124b481e4d353d7657612aa44ec07060.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261220"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/261221/image/large-133c2e08f98f12dc9c501317555e0c8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/261221">The shipyard has previously constructed the 87.1-metre explorer yacht <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>, which was launched in 2010, and the 110.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10993" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Falkor (Too)110.6m (362'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2011">Falkor (Too)</a> launched a year later, which at 7,257 GT is the largest by volume the yard has constructed. The two yachts are widely recognised for their capabilities and use as research and exploration vessels.&nbsp;Construction of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7970" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Renaissance111.85m (366'12&quot;)Freire Shipyard2023">Freire 112m Explorer</a> took place in Vigo, Galicia, Spain. The yard currently has another explorer under construction, the 105-metre Freire 105m Explorer, which is due for delivery in 2024.

112m Freire superyacht NB724

The 112m Freire superyacht NB724 has begun sea trials in Spain.

Bannenberg & Rowell's 112m Freire superyacht NB724 begins sea trials

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262442/image/large-507c68d12147c3219e5301f66cdd2e97.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262442">Currently docked in the Wiltonhaven, a port in Schiedam, the Netherlands, is the 87.1-metre research vessel <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>. Built in 2010 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire Shipyard</a>, she started life as Volstad Surveyor and spent two years – between 2018 and 2020 – being transformed into a sophisticated research vessel by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (Company)">Damen Shiprepair &amp; Conversion</a>. She is now the world’s most advanced research vessel.“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,” Ray Dalio, co-Founder of OceanX and President of Dalio Philanthropies, previously sald. This is made possible thanks to 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, which are capabile 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. Take a closer look onboard the expedition yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OceanXplorer: Inside the world’s most advanced research vessel (2020-09-24 14:00:00 +0200)">here</a>.

Research vessel OceanXplorer 1 in Schiedam

The 87m research vessel OceanXplorer 1 is seen here docked in the Wiltonhaven, Schiedam.

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

By Mark de Jong, Marketing Manager of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thesuperyachtlifefoundation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">The Superyacht Life Foundation</a>The sordid world of superyachts. Floating lairs for Bond villains. Yachts purchased with stolen cash. These are just a few of the headlines that habitually plague our industry. Whether splashed on the front page of the New York Times or the homepage of the Daily Mail, these stories are responsible for serious reputational damage.&nbsp;While other luxury goods are widely seen as aspirational, lofty ambitions for the fortunate few, superyachts are often perceived as being gluttonous or even immoral. An industry without a conscience.&nbsp;It’s time we asked ourselves: are we happy with the way our industry is represented on the global stage?&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/175547/image/large-a2d172c08b332348a451a78a5c3b6701.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/175547">(Above: the superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Planet Nine73.2m (240'2&quot;)Admiral2018">Planet Nine</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/tenet-yacht-planet-nine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">starred in the this year's blockbuster film Tenet</a>&nbsp;and was owned by the 'bad guy'.)With more NDAs per capita than most industries put together and rather difficult-to-hide products, it’s no surprise that we’re an easy target. But that doesn’t mean we should take the blows lying down. There’s so much good within the industry that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.&nbsp;From philanthropic owners to the innovative builders and designers, we’re an industry that’s not short on good stories. But without sharing these stories with the world, how can we expect to change the public perception?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176187/image/large-80ba6b36ced9503f7a39aef7f62ae41a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176187">Fortunately, we’re not the first to ponder this and we can look outside the industry for inspiration. The Cruise Line Industry Association found success in recent years with their <a href="https://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/clia-launches-cruise-forward-program" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Cruise Forward</a> campaign, illustrating the benefits of cruising and advances in sustainable technologies.&nbsp;And, after a certain Leo DiCaprio-led movie about the dark side of luxury (no, not The Wolf of Wall Street) came out in 2006, the industry in question responded with <a href="https://www.diamondsdogood.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Diamonds Do Good</a>, an initiative to promote the positive impact that diamonds have on communities around the world.&nbsp;And, just like the diamond industry, the superyacht industry also makes a significant positive impact across the globe from wealth redistribution to onshore spending.&nbsp;This likely isn’t new information for the majority of people reading this. We know our industry is forward-thinking, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Insight: Sustainability training with Water Revolution Foundation (2020-05-01 12:15:00 +0200)">environmentally-conscious</a> and provides employment to many. But while we know this, does Joe Bloggs?&nbsp;We need to go beyond championing our worth in industry media and start showcasing to the world that we are an industry worth its salt. An industry made up of talent, innovation and good people doing excellent work. No longer should we be epitomised by tycoons and tyrants but instead unrivalled adventures, exceptional lifestyles and the people who make it all possible.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/99407/image/large-106ef47c6276375b8248672b27b3b4ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/99407">But these arguments are difficult to make for individual companies alone. That’s why <a href="https://thesuperyachtlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">The Superyacht Life Foundation</a> was established. We’re here to set the story straight; to blow our own trumpet until the world is sick of hearing about how amazing we are. A collective to promote the entire industry, with companies and competitors banding together in one orchestrated campaign, allowing the industry to put its best foot forward and showcase the lifestyle, people and places behind the superyachting good life.And there seems to be widespread agreement with this approach. In a recent <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/news/webinars" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times webinar</a>, an overwhelming 83% of the industry agreed that a closer collaboration was needed to promote yachting. But there are costs to running such a campaign – especially if we are to reach the right people in the right places. Disappointingly, a follow-up question during the same SuperYacht Times webinar showed that only 36% felt this should be funded by companies across the industry.&nbsp;But if not, who? We’re fortunate to have the support of some of the most forward-thinking companies in the business who understand that it is their responsibility to reinvest in the industry they profit from. But more support is needed to take our efforts to the next level.And there’s much to gain. We know that only a small number of those who can afford to engage in superyachting actually do so. We also know that there are some who are reluctant to engage for fear of being brandished across the Daily Mail. No owner should have to worry about the stigma that could come with superyacht ownership. Ownership is, in many cases, the apex of a dream; something that should be celebrated, not hidden. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/96960/image/large-1ad356054bfbae052c64dff3b5857ac5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/96960">If our clients, who invest such huge sums in our industry, are having to do so covertly, then we are failing them.We’re also facing choppy waters with the pandemic disrupting usual sales channels and decimating the short-term charter market. If we are to come out of this stronger than before, we need to do so with a reputation to match.As a collective, we can go beyond the individual brands, instead focusing on the qualities that attract people to superyachting in the first place. And there are many, from families coming together to explore the far corners of the world to the skilled craftsmen and women who work behind-the-scenes to enable these extraordinary voyages.&nbsp;You may have seen some of our stories on <a href="https://thesuperyachtlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">thesuperyachtlife.com</a>. These stories shine a light on all things good in the world of superyachting and are pushed to new audiences by way of digital advertising. But we want to do more with <a href="https://thesuperyachtlife.com/partners/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">our partners</a>. Events that introduce the superyacht lifestyle to those unaware. A true PR campaign that results in positive coverage across global top-tier publications. Market research to really understand what our clients want. As a collective, we can do all of that, for the benefit of the entire industry.It’s time to set the story straight. Less scandal and more sustainability. Less adversity and more adventure. But this is only possible with substantial industry support. Consider this a rallying call, a challenge for our industry to come together and raise our flag proudly. To say to the world, superyachting is inherently good.Let’s grow the industry together.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/177271/image/large-7c7a71a7c0ee93fd6d6b1e582e79dbdb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/177271">

Why ensuring balanced yachting press is the industry's responsibility

Mark de Jong, Marketing Manager of The Superyacht Life Foundation, explains why positive yachting press matters. Read more on SYT. 

Opinion: Why superyacht bad press is all of our responsibility

Swan-shaped superyachts, historic sales and beautiful photographs are what really caught our readers' attention last month. Here is a round-up of our most-perused articles for September, just in case you missed one the first time around.&nbsp;5.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/inside-oceanxplorer-research-vessel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">OceanXplorer: Inside the world’s most advanced research vessel</a>Global-warming resistant super-corals were the subject of the first research mission by the scientists onboard the vessel <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</a>. We took <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51820" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OceanXplorer: Inside the world’s most advanced research vessel (2020-09-24 14:00:00 +0200)">a look</a> onboard the incredible ship that is destined to change the way marine research is conducted forever.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176184/image/large-60dd32dc2fd808681b9125ab1323476a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176184">&nbsp;4.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-totally-nuts-video" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Video: Feadship superyacht Totally Nuts&nbsp;in action</a>Our video of the 50m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7069" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Totally Nuts49.65m (162'11&quot;)Feadship2020">Totally Nuts</a>&nbsp;being put through her paces on the North Sea caught the attention of thousands of people who were clearly impressed by the sleek and athletic exterior design by studio De Voogt.&nbsp;<iframe width="758" height="427" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixsjvosGLTQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>3.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/inside-lurssen-yacht-skat" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Inside Skat: A yachting treasure revisited</a>Launched in 2002 as project 9906, the iconic 70.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/442" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Skat</a> holds a special place in every yacht enthusiast's heart. Her look, Scandi-coolness and onboard innovations mean that when she went on sale in late August for the first time ever, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51715" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">everyone wanted a closer look</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/173641/image/large-11feea026c04458bdac5cf54b5209b90.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/173641"> 2.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/lurssen-opus-sea-trials" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">In Pictures: The new 142m Lürssen Opus at sea</a>We were <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51772" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In Pictures: The new 142m Lürssen Opus at sea (2020-09-12 17:00:00 +0200)">first on the scene</a> (well, above the scene) when it came to capturing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>'s 142-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6426" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Opus142.0m (465'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2020">Opus</a> on sea trials in mid-September. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/65" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuvolari Lenard (Company)">Nuvolari Lenard</a> design looked fantastic on the North Sea as the largest project ever sold by representatives <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moran Yacht & Ship (Company)">Moran Yacht &amp; Ship</a> was put through her paces.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/175113/image/large-0b47f099c994155ca598d93b308c9a96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/175113"> 1.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/introducing-the-avanguardia-concept" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">New 137m swan-shaped superyacht concept from Lazzarini</a>Thousands of readers were intrigued by the fantastic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51732" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">swan-shaped concept</a> from Italian designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6004" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Lazzarini</a>. The 137-metre design, called 'avanguardia' (meaning 'vanguard' in English), was inspired by a 1970s Japanese manga, with the swan head functioning as a control tower with which to manoeuvre the yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/174053/image/large-3e244c6ecb4793ac868f9f3dde27e470.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/174053">

Most Read: Top 5 superyacht stories in September

After a shake-down voyage in the Norwegian fjords last month, the research vessel <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</a> has now set off on her maiden mission in the Red Sea where scientists and leading researchers will study the global-warming-resistant super corals found in the region. As the vessel prepares to be featured in an ambitious six-part National Geographic series called Mission OceanX, we get a look inside this high-tech ship that is dubbed the ‘most advanced research vessel in the world’.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176184/image/large-60dd32dc2fd808681b9125ab1323476a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176184">With their new-generation research vessel, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Final Frontier...with Mark Dalio from OceanX (2018-12-20 16:45:00 +0100)">Dalio</a> family is looking to bring the same level of excitement and global interest in ocean exploration as space exploration enjoys. With 80% of the world’s oceans still unmapped, life below the surface remains just as alien to humans as extraterrestrial life in far-away galaxies. By combining the expertise of world-class researchers, scientists and filmmakers, the OceanX initiative will bring to light the extraordinary world that is teeming with life below the waves.<iframe width="758" height="427" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uHh0u21lDDc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>“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</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, coFounder of OceanX and President of Dalio Philanthropies. “It will be mind-blowing.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176180/image/large-4e55149da8106a45a9be4ba09c2931cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176180"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176178/image/large-dc330f8bd605f7f1002ed13608c9879d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176178">With her origins in offshore surveying, <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">R/V OceanXplorer</a> started life in 2010 as the Volstad Surveyor - an advanced platform that served as the ideal foundation on which <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Shiprepair</a> in Rotterdam could build the new expedition ship we see today. The open aft deck design of the ship made it possible to fit a 40-ton A-frame crane, an essential part of the ship’s operations which deploy and retrieve <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’s</a> two custom <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4195" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Triton (Company)">Triton</a> manned submersibles, each with a diving depth of over 1,000 metres. An amidships hatch to starboard is where a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is launched that can be operated at 6,000 metres below sea level, unlocking a new level of ocean exploration. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176174/image/large-77efb31fb1eaa4cee6aa773b3249dd62.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176174"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176182/image/large-86a6867d3cf5a07aa23e3185e16f8b9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176182">Aerial scouting missions and remote location drop-offs are made possible by <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’s</a> live-aboard helicopter which is stowed in its own climate-controlled hangar on the foredeck in between flights. Both the ship’s helicopter and fleet of submersibles are capable of recording 8K RED footage and provides live-streaming solutions that can share never-before-seen scenes directly to classrooms as it happens. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176172/image/large-ffaf2f132785d886b56f64b653091372.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176172"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176187/image/large-80ba6b36ced9503f7a39aef7f62ae41a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176187">In consultation with legendary filmmaker James Cameron, <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</a> was designed with Hollywood-quality productions in mind and comes pre-fitted with custom filming and lighting rigs around the ship, not to mention a world-class editing suite and communication centre to get groundbreaking marine research out to the world as efficiently as possible. “At OceanX, we’ve long believed in and worked to harness the transformative power of media every day,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Final Frontier...with Mark Dalio from OceanX (2018-12-20 16:45:00 +0100)">Mark Dalio</a>, Founder &amp; Creative Director of OceanX. “<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</a> will allow us to pair science and media together like never before and share the excitement and wonder of ocean exploration with a global audience in real-time.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176185/image/large-21e7fca217315f073aec6db8998bee6a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176185">Inside the ship, researchers have access to advanced wet and dry labs to study and further document the behaviour of species collected by the ROV or submersibles which are operated and overseen from the high-tech control room. These technical areas on board, including the sub hangar, are all the design work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4359" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gresham Yacht Design (Company)">Gresham Yacht Design</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176177/image/large-b38b7d8b7ee8f13b8442dcd52df2c780.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176177"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176176/image/large-fce4deb5d893393a632b039113a689b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176176">Co-produced by OceanX Media, BBC Studios and James Cameron, Mission OceanX will be aired in 171 countries and 43 languages on National Geographic, with the first season to put a focus on the North Atlantic Ocean. The aim of the recurring series is to feature a different ocean each season. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/176181/image/large-aeaf34add303c08820067d37c6831942.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/176181">

Inside OceanXplorer research vessel

A first look inside the newly-delivered OceanXplorer research vessel. 

OceanXplorer: Inside the world’s most advanced research vessel

As system tests on the North Sea continue on the 87-metre expedition yacht <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</a> and the vessel draws ever closer to delivery, SuperYacht Times’ Charl van Rooy and photographer Tom van Oossanen rendezvoused with the ship over the North Sea last week to bring you an exclusive closer look at what is described the ‘most advanced research vessel in the world’.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168665/image/large-3df706fc803e1a12dfd27103f96b8290.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168665"><iframe width="758" height="427" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SnnIS_wdDSQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> Video by Charl van Rooy / SuperYacht Times<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</a> started life as the Volstad Surveyor in 2010 and has spent the past two years being transformed into a sophisticated research vessel by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen</a> in Rotterdam after being acquired by the Dalio family.&nbsp;Works are nearing completion and the vessel will set off on its maiden voyage this year – an event that will be chronicled in a six-part documentary series entitled Mission: OceanX, co-produced by OceanX and the BBC with James Cameron for National Geographic.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168647/image/large-4d45f015ce88279af9c5bfcd1a888acb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168647"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168662/image/large-a40cb52fedbd6b05c407dc03ff303438.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168662">Most recently, the vessel’s 3.7-ton ROV (Remote Operated Underwater Vehicle) was loaded on board in a dedicated hangar amidships on the starboard side. <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’s</a> 40-ton Palfinger A-frame crane has also passed its certification tests this month and the vessel will soon be receiving its two submersibles which form an integral part of the research and content gathering which the ship was designed for. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168650/image/large-c06889fd50dce6989ac84e0c72db1f39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168650"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168666/image/large-01fb70b519581a86a8ebbd139a33b6a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168666"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168675/image/large-34eb9ee1f76f9ce4133db8b4299f7b5b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168675">Along with <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/gresham-yacht-design" target="_blank">Gresham Yacht Design</a>, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/oceanxplorer-1" target="_blank">OceanXplorer</a> was developed by some of the most experienced expedition mariners and studio production designers in the world, to facilitate some of the most ambitious ocean research and underwater filmmaking projects ever undertaken.Underwater discoveries will be analysed in the state-of-the-art dry and wet labs on board while <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</a>'s media studio will be able to document and broadcast the groundbreaking discoveries in ultra-high-definition.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168646/image/large-8ae36beb8c244ee60d042c629704feef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168646"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168655/image/large-925c2628e5a2e89616a3c4c3fa555414.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168655">A dedicated hangar on the vast foredeck houses the vessel’s helicopter which will serve an important role in the operation of the vessel and on her many upcoming expeditions in some of the most remote places on the planet. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168664/image/large-56c0e82b62b01b4c313895d11a6b86e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168664"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168642/image/large-4849806b4d0eb803d79cbde2ff170bb1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168642"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168674/image/large-6889b2c5ecdaf95670ff13fd7f39deb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168674">

Expedition yacht OceanXplorer

The 87-metre expedition yacht OceanXplorer in action on the North Sea where her sophisticated research systems are being put to the test.

OceanXplorer: The world’s most advanced research vessel in action

The luxury expedition yacht <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</a> is nearing delivery in the Netherlands after a successful series of sea trials over the last month. The maiden voyage of <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</a> will be chronicled in a six-part documentary series entitled Mission: OceanX, co-produced by OceanX and the BBC, along with James Cameron for National Geographic. The series will follow prominent scientists, explorers and filmmakers in the natural history world in a “breathtaking” new style of reality storytelling.<img src="https://d3w3pid64ak8v.cloudfront.net/photo/167212/image/large-8d736ef35cbe26b3dc7c6f93b746e776.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/167212">Following an intensive rebuild project at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen</a> that lasted two years, the ship once known as the Volstad Surveyor has been transformed into&nbsp;“the most advanced research and media vessel on the ocean”&nbsp;according to OceanX. Along with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4359" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gresham Yacht Design (Company)">Gresham Yacht Design</a>, <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</a> was developed by some of the most experienced expedition mariners and studio production designers to facilitate some of the most ambitious ocean research and underwater filmmaking projects in the world.<img src="https://d3w3pid64ak8v.cloudfront.net/photo/167209/image/large-7ba3946764ea0f31dd3764e3f2a73c8f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/167209">A 40-ton A-frame at the stern is designed specifically for the deployment of the vessel’s two submersibles which can dive to depths beyond 3,000 feet for up to eight hours. Underwater discoveries will be analysed in the state-of-the-art dry and wet labs on board while the&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</a> media studio will be able to document and broadcast the groundbreaking discoveries in ultra-high-definition around the world.<img src="https://d3w3pid64ak8v.cloudfront.net/photo/36644/image/large-95e4a805b8fe88bfebb50ee249eab8d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/36644"><img src="https://d3w3pid64ak8v.cloudfront.net/photo/167210/image/large-f4220ea585f122b10b51429ca59a3f09.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/167210">

Expedition yacht Oceanxplorer nearing completion

The 87-metre expedition yacht OceanXplorer is getting ready to set off on its maiden voyage to the Indian Ocean. 

Expedition yacht OceanXplorer nearing delivery

Following an intense two-year rebuild process at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen (Company)">Damen</a> in the Netherlands, the 87.1-metre deep-sea research and expedition vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OceanXplorer85.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">OceanXplorer</a>&nbsp;(former Alucia 2) was relaunched over the weekend. Gearing up for her maiden voyage to the Indian Ocean, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OceanXplorer85.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">OceanXplorer</a> was rebuilt as the “greatest exploration, scientific research and media platform to ever sail the ocean”, according to project member and renowned filmmaker James Cameron.&nbsp;<iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v-Xvs9_vfoQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OceanXplorer85.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">OceanXplorer</a> was built in 2010 at the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/freire">Freire Shipyard</a> in Spain and spent her life as a deep-sea survey vessel operating from Norway under the name Volstad Surveyor before being acquired by her current owner and brought to the Netherlands for extensive rebuild work in 2018. Along with Gresham Yacht Design, OceanXplorer was developed by some of the most experienced expedition mariners and studio production designers to operate as the most advanced ocean conservation and media platform in the world.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21824/image/large-6ea1d9636d87a23320864eb2abcd21e2.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21824">“With OceanXplorer’s maiden voyage, we will be launching this new series in partnership with BBC and James Cameron that will be airing on National Geographic to venture into some of the least explored parts of the Indian Ocean,”&nbsp;commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Final Frontier...with Mark Dalio from OceanX (2018-12-20 16:45:00 +0100)">Mark Dalio</a>, Co-Founder and Creative Director, OceanX. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/36644/image/large-95e4a805b8fe88bfebb50ee249eab8d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/36644">A 40-ton A-frame at the stern is designed specifically for the deployment of the vessel’s two submersibles which can dive to depths beyond 3,000 feet for up to eight hours. Underwater discoveries will be analysed in the state-of-the-art dry and wet labs on board while OceanXplorer media studio will be able to document and broadcast the groundbreaking discoveries in ultra-high-definition around the world.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58496/image/large-7f9a46a6e48a26c2d1fc2eb7b63c8dd2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58496">“The project brings together the best scientists, explorers, shipbuilders and media people in the world and it is an unbelievable joy for me to be able to help facilitate this with all these wonderful people and organisations,”&nbsp;said OceanX Co-Founder, Ray Dalio.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58497/image/large-23bb1d3d1204ba5b55913be0bc38ac87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58497">Not only will OceanXplorer be able to scour the ocean surface from below, but with a dedicated helicopter hangar in the foredeck, her team has eyes in the sky at all times; ideal for long-range scouting missions and aerial photography purposes.

87m expedition vessel Oceanexplorer launched at Damen

The highly-anticipated relaunch of the 87.1-metre expedition vessel OceanXplorer took place at Damen in the Netherlands this week. 

87m expedition vessel OceanXplorer relaunched at Damen 

In anticipation of the release of a new six-part ocean documentary series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Final Frontier...with Mark Dalio from OceanX (2018-12-20 16:45:00 +0100)">OceanX</a> has launched a contest whereby fans can vote for the name of their newest explorer yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia 2</a>. Currently being rebuilt in Rotterdam, the groundbreaking 85.3-metre Alucia 2 will operate as a marine research vessel platform and continue the revolutionary work currently being done by her older and smaller sibling, motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alicia51.0m (167'4&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1930">Alucia</a>.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/93427/image/large-92f36c0a8c29033661468a2a94f6a4bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/93427">American residents are invited to <a href="http://www.oceanx.org/win-a-sub-dive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">select from a list of six names</a> including legendary identities such as Oceanus and Audacious to more contemporary ship names such as OceanX and OceanXplorer. The new Mission OceanX series will premiere in the US on 2nd September and brings together an all-star team including National Geographic, BBC Studios and James Cameron along with Dalio Philanthropies’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49416" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Final Frontier...with Mark Dalio from OceanX (2018-12-20 16:45:00 +0100)">OceanX</a>.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embedly " data-original-embed="<a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/B1JrQwNDILM/' data-card-branding='0' class='embedly-card'></a>" style="height: 962px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1JrQwNDILM/" data-card-branding="0" class="embedly-card"></a></div><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia 2</a> is designed by some of the most experienced expedition mariners and studio production designers to operate as the most advanced ocean conservation and media platform in the world. A 40-ton A-frame at the stern is designed specifically for the deployment of the vessel’s two submersibles which can dive to depths beyond 3,000 feet for up to eight hours. Underwater discoveries will be analysed in the state-of-the-art dry and wet labs on board while Alucia 2’s media studio will be able to document and broadcast the groundbreaking discoveries in ultra high-definition around the world. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/21824/image/large-6ea1d9636d87a23320864eb2abcd21e2.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21824"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/93433/image/large-81f8f782f942a3d587404ff5e765151b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/93433"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/58497/image/large-23bb1d3d1204ba5b55913be0bc38ac87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58497">Not only will <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia 2</a> be able to scour the ocean surface from below, but with a dedicated helicopter hangar in the foredeck, her team has eyes in the sky at all times; ideal for long-range scouting missions and aerial photography purposes. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/93429/image/large-93daffe69349f8e5d829477bbae87a1e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/93429"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/58496/image/large-7f9a46a6e48a26c2d1fc2eb7b63c8dd2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58496"><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/alucia-2">Alucia 2</a> was built in 2010 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1732" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freire Shipyard (Company)">Freire Shipyard</a> in Spain and spent her life as a deep-sea survey vessel operating from Norway under the name Volstad Surveyor before being acquired by her current owner and brought to the Netherlands for extensive rebuild work. As for her design, the London-based studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4359" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gresham Yacht Design (Company)">Gresham Yacht Design</a> has provided the design input for the vessel.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21826/image/large-ea6d1865b933bece6ab7636dd9086256.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21826"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/36644/image/large-95e4a805b8fe88bfebb50ee249eab8d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/36644">

Name of Alucia 2 explorer yacht open for voting

The public can now vote for the future name of the Alucia 2 explorer yacht ahead of the upcoming Mission OceanX series. 

Name of explorer superyacht Alucia 2 open for voting

How Mark Dalio is boldly going where no man has gone before with OceanX. “People think that the oceans have been vastly explored. They have this notion that space it the final frontier, that the planet has been seen for the most part… but it hasn’t. We need to change this mindset and make people fall in love with the oceans,”&nbsp;says Mark Dalio, Founder and Creative Director of OceanX Media.“I think that people are starting to feel it now.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58494/image/large-396b428314b26523bad0fd1b69784275.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58494">Son of billionaire hedge fund founder Ray Dalio, the father-son duo behind the OceanX initiative have been involved in ocean exploration for many years. In fact, it was researchers in a manned-submersible launched from OceanX’s state-of-the-art exploration vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Alucia</a> that successfully managed to captured the world’s first ever footage of a giant squid in its natural habitat six years ago. Since then Mark and the research team on the 55.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Alucia</a> have worked with the BBC on the landmark documentary series, Blue Planet II, and co-produced the giant-screen film Oceans: Our Blue Planet. Now through OceanX Media (formerly known as Alucia Productions), Mark aims to continue the work of legendary Jacques Cousteau, French underwater explorer, diver, filmmaker and inventor, and bring the wonders of ocean exploration to the wider public. In order to further the company’s reach and its overall production capabilities, OceanX has begun work on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia 2</a>, a new explorer yacht which is set to be the most advanced exploration vessel to date.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58489/image/large-0d5302bcd4b5b565cf999d416e721cf5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58489">But Mark’s interest in our oceans didn’t begin on a quest for the elusive giant squid. &nbsp;It goes back to his childhood in Connecticut, the USA where he spent much of his time with his family in nature, out on the water or camping.&nbsp;“Learning how to scuba dive when I was young changed my view of this amazing underworld - a world that many people still do not know much about. Going on these trips with my family inspired me to tell stories of the oceans.” It is clear that Mark had a strong passion for storytelling, cinematography and creative narratives from a young age onwards, but it was not until he was working for National Geographic in Los Angeles and saw first hand how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Alucia</a> was used to capture the footage of the giant squid that he realised how important the link between media and science really is. “One of the first expeditions on that ship, separate to the work I was doing at the time, was the giant squid expedition,” recalls Mark. It was in 2012 when Edith Widder, oceanographer and marine biologist, and her team of researchers became the first scientists to capture live-footage of the giant squid using bioluminescence off of Japan’s Ogasawara Islands during an expedition on Alucia.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58490/image/large-b96f15f042dd4a1a1cc8f6c1b6813340.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58490">Although Mark himself was not part of the research team that discovered the giant squid, he has since been on a number of expeditions. On his first submersible experience, he travelled down more than 1,000 metres underwater in search of a frozen whale carcass. “We were looking for 20 minutes or so and I saw this big object in the distance - we thought it was the whale so we kept going towards it. When we got closer we saw that it was moving. I thought it was just the current, but it ended up being this massive six-gilled shark.”&nbsp;A prehistoric shark which tends to live between 50 to 200 metres deep in the oceans, these animals are known scavengers. “What I thought was a whale, was actually a massive shark taking a huge bite out of the whale carcass - it was quite a sight to see.” Although it was frightened off by the manned-submersible lights at first, the shark returned and rubbed against the submersible, giving them a bump, enough to get Mark’s adrenaline pumping. “I did not know whether to be fearful or excited - I just felt a whole range of emotions. It was an incredible introduction to the deep sea. Coming back from that expedition really opened my eyes as to what can happen in the depths.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58488/image/large-752812bc3fc97d480209935edf4f09c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58488">Once the footage of the giant squid was revealed to the world, it captured the attention of millions of people around the world from young to old, sparking their imaginations as to what mysteries the deep oceans still hold. It was at that point that Mark really understood the combined power of science and storytelling. But in order to start his company, he had to get one key person on board... “The first person I had to convince was my father,”&nbsp;says Mark with a laugh. “He was a little reluctant at first, but the team was already overseeing the science and ship operations and it made logical sense to have a media production company attached to that. Thanks to the work that I was already doing and the connections that I had made, everything came together very well in the end.”&nbsp;But was the attachment of a media production company so essential to the development of the OceanX brand we wonder? “I think that scientists, marine biologists and partners that we work with, are very important, but even more so is the question of how we get that information to a wider audience,”&nbsp;stresses Mark. “How do we convey the importance of studying and exploring the deep sea? I think when media goes hand in hand with exploration it’s even more impactful than if you just focus on one or the other.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58486/image/large-c76824d90702eec0ce626a6163a77437.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58486">Since connecting OceanX Media to a number of the expeditions taking place on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Alucia</a>, including the search for the Humboldt squid off the coast of Chile and exploring the giant Australian barrier reef with the legendary Sir David Attenborough, the name has become synonymous with ocean exploration and conservation in many people's mind. For Mark, it's hard to narrow down the milestones OceanX Media has reached onboard, but a few spring to mind when asked. “One milestone was exploring the brine pools - talk about alien world! You have this very unique ecosystem, which is quite deadly for a lot of the creatures who live down there. But there are a lot of microbes that can thrive there - mussels, cutthroat eels and squat lobsters, as well as hagfish. It almost becomes this oasis in the desert where this deadly lake actually harbours a lot of life.” &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58491/image/large-5d8bba4b053b1f3d9aaa45da9db30f71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58491">Over the years the explorer yacht has traversed the furthest waters across the globe, carrying dedicated crew members, scientists and field experts, who work together with production workers to document their discoveries and travels. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Alucia</a> has been a crucial part of groundbreaking scientific discoveries as OceanX Media strives to develop a cohesive narrative around those findings through a multimedia approach. However, in order to expand upon their research capabilities as well as their overall productions, OceanX is set to launch her successor, the 85.3-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia 2</a> in 2019.&nbsp;“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Alucia</a> has been a fantastic vessel for us. She is really one of a kind,” explains Mark. “But one of the issues we ran into was the number of people we could have onboard.” While up to 16 people from the media and science teams can stay onboard of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Alucia</a>, when considering how many people are needed per team, the maximum amount adds up very quickly. In addition, the team faces a few complications when using one of the two-manned submersibles and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) at the same time on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Alucia</a> as they work off of the same platform. “With the new vessel, we are taking what we were doing with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)Auroux1974">Alucia</a>&nbsp;and blowing it up even further.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58496/image/large-7f9a46a6e48a26c2d1fc2eb7b63c8dd2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58496"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia&nbsp;2</a> will comfortably accommodate many more people on board, although Mark adds that the team is still configuring the layout for the optimal use of space. “That amount of people lets you build on what is possible on both the media side and the science side.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia 2</a>, a former oil exploration vessel which will be retrofitted in the Netherlands, will also build on the technical capabilities offered on her predecessor. OceanX brought scientists on board to help create the layout of the new wet and dry marine research labs and select which equipment to use. At the same time, they also brought on a production designer to help develop the best state of the art media production lab and worked with filmmaker and ocean explorer James Cameron on her filmmaking capabilities. “The spaces themselves are quite extensive compared to Alucia. We have full dry and wet labs - the dry labs are state of the art and very expansive on&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia 2</a>.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58497/image/large-23bb1d3d1204ba5b55913be0bc38ac87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58497">“The wet labs offers a great opportunity to film some of these creatures in a macro-film setup. It’s very much similar to what happens in the depths, expect that it’s happening right in front of you.”&nbsp;As you would expect from any great explorer vessel, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia 2</a> also offers sufficient space to carry a helicopter onboard in a dedicated hanger, two manned-submersibles as well as ROVs and drones. “The science labs and the media labs can also transit a live a stream, from anywhere in the world,” adds Mark. “I think the combination of science and high-quality production capabilities make&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)Freire Shipyard2010">Alucia 2</a>&nbsp;unique. There are not many ships which have equal capabilities and I think what we are doing is combining expeditions and media in a way that no other ships have done.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/36644/image/large-95e4a805b8fe88bfebb50ee249eab8d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/36644">OceanX Media is more than just ocean exploration and media production for Mark - it is also about connecting with human emotions. “I think being able to showcase marine life down in the oceans is fantastic. But to be able to put the viewer in the seat of these scientists is as equally important. If a young girl sees the next generation of Sylvia Earle and it inspires her to become passionate about the oceans, then that’s priceless.” By tapping into the viewer's emotions, he hopes to spark their imagination and encourage them to explore and care for the oceans. “We are trying to get people to understand what is actually out there and why they should care, so that when they do hear about the current issues and they hear about the possible solutions, then they will be a lot more receptive to them.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21826/image/large-ea6d1865b933bece6ab7636dd9086256.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21826">This is also why the company has been looking at how they communicate with their audience, focusing on numerous channels like broadcast TV, social media platforms, feature-length movies as well as virtual reality, museums and science parks to reach audiences of all ages. One great example is their partnership with the American Museum of Natural History, where the two organisations created an immersive ocean exhibition, including imagery projections as well as interactive displays to truly open up ocean exploration to younger generations. “After seeing Oceans: Our Blue Planet, these families are able to go out and learn a more about the science behind the film in a way that is both enjoyable and accessible.”&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/36645/image/large-06bdfd6370701e88d52cd103ef62d372.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/36645">Through OceanX Media, Mark is working tirelessly to bring a much-needed voice to the oceans by utilising the compelling stories around exploration to excite, inform and ultimately inspire viewers as to what lies beneath the surface. “It’s more emotional than logical, it really makes sense to conserve our oceans but people do not understand this message unless their heart is in it. So that’s what we’re doing. We’re aiming for their heart.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21825/image/large-d5bf679b9e4bcfed5f5fcb9c8812f439.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21825">OceanX currently works with a number of partners to help fund research, conduct scientific expeditions and create media productions, including the BBC, National Geographic, James Cameron and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &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="/uploads/store/photo/55401/image/large-6524e9c9dfc37e22bf131ecc39bea57e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/55401"></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</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.&nbsp;

The Final Frontier...with Mark Dalio from OceanX

We are pleased to announce that the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, The Exploration Issue, is out now! <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/52623/image/large-cdf4c89637334dd6885b71775d88c99c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/52623"><a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Available via subscription,</a> our 23rd issue looks at the growing interest in ocean exploration as the next generation of yacht owners seek out new, remote areas to travel to, away from the familiar hotspots of the French and Italian Riviera. However, not every superyacht is capable or sufficiently equipped for transatlantic travel, which has led to an increasing demand for explorer yachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/52621/image/large-6335fe293578d61c83c0f735c7992412.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/52621">Most yacht builders agree that explorer yachts must include long-range, autonomy as well as Ice-class certification as they are designed to carry their passengers through the most strenuous climates in luxury and comfort. However, one superyacht owner, Silvio Scaglia, owner of the 55-metre Galileo G, made sure her exploring capabilities were written down in her contract with Perini Navi so he could safely transverse through the Northwest Passage. Having cruised around the world not one but two times, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2496" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galileo G55.2m (181'1&quot;)">Galileo G</a> is a true explorer yacht in every way possible. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/52615/image/large-1807c3702d3b8e0218b49144036b1c36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/52615">That said, there are not many vessels in the fleet which have exploration capabilities that match that of the 55.75 metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)">Alucia</a>. Owned by OceanX, the research and media initiative, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)">Alucia</a> has been used in a number of scientific expeditions around the world, as seen on the BBC’s series Blue Planet II. We speak with Mark Dalio, founder and creative director of OceanX Media, to learn more about the importance of ocean exploration, the power of storytelling and about their upcoming exploration vessel, set to be the most advanced to date, Alucia2.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/52619/image/large-cee272e2443a6761b2c900b91d1d41e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/52619">The more time that owners spend exploring our oceans, the more they realise the increasing effect we are having on the planet and the growing need to protect it from some of the more dramatic climate changes taking place. Which is why we sat down and talk to John Risley, maritime entrepreneur and serial yacht owner, &nbsp;about his plans for his most innovative yacht to date, the 107-metre Lürssen project&nbsp;Icecap and why he wants to be a responsible steward of the ocean.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/52617/image/large-ce763c33966deb5fe46394a90072e126.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/52617">IN THIS ISSUE: &nbsp; The Interview: Roads to Polaris - The next stages of the Northern Star journey with owner John Risley &nbsp; Profile: The Final Frontier - How Mark Dalio is boldly going where no man has gone before with OceanX &nbsp; Yacht Life: The Road Less Travelled - with Silvio Scaglia Spotlight: Onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5962" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DAR90.13m (295'8&quot;)">Dar</a> - Inside Oceanco’s latest 90m superyacht &nbsp; At the Yard: Wind of Change &nbsp;...and much, much more.<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Order your SYT newspaper issue now</a>&nbsp;to learn more about exploration within the yachting industry.&nbsp;

Examining ocean exploration in the newest SuperYacht Times newspaper

The production wing of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)">Alucia</a> ocean conservation movement, <a href="http://www.oceanx.org/alucia-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">OceanX</a> (previously known as Alucia Productions), has today revealed a first glimpse of the new and improved 85.3-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)">Alucia2</a> that is currently undergoing a major conversion in the Netherlands that will ultimately replace her owner’s current 55.7-metre motor yacht, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia55.75m (182'11&quot;)">Alucia</a>.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/36645/image/large-06bdfd6370701e88d52cd103ef62d372.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/36645">The Alucia name has become synonymous with ocean conservation and global exploring over the last decade as her dedicated owner and crew push the boundaries in the fields of science and technology whilst hosting field experts on the vessel during their well-documented travels. Readers who have seen the recently-released documentary series Blue Planet II will be all too familiar with the ship Alucia and her deep-sea capabilities and dedication to protecting our oceans.<div class="fr-embedly " data-original-embed="<a href='https://www.instagram.com/p/BjnvT5blgN4/' class='embedly-card'></a>" style="height: 864px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjnvT5blgN4/" class="embedly-card"></a></div><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)">Alucia2</a> was built in 2010 at the Freire Shipyard in Spain and spent her life as a deep-sea survey vessel operating from Norway under the name Volstad Surveyor before being acquired by her current owner and brought to the Netherlands for extensive rebuild work that will make her ‘the most advanced and science and media vessel ever built’. As for her design, the London-based studio, Gresham Yacht Design has provided the design input for the vessel. Work will continue until early next year when she is expected to be delivered in 2019.“The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)">Alucia2</a> will feature state-of-the-art onboard dry and wet marine research labs,” commented OceanX, “cutting-edge media equipment and a top-of-the-line production and media centre, manned and autonomous deep-sea submersibles and helicopters and drones. Exploration is the key to ending ignorance about our oceans, which is the main threat to their existence.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/36644/image/large-95e4a805b8fe88bfebb50ee249eab8d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/36644">The acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron has been involved in the project to lend his filmmaking expertise in order to ensure <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)">Alucia2</a> can carry and operate the advanced camera systems needed in order to capture our oceans in extreme detail no matter the weather conditions. “With OceanX and Alucia2,” commented the Hollywood director, “we will reignite a global passion for and curiosity about the ocean in our global, digitally-connected age.”A forward helicopter landing pad and hangar will ensure <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alucia 285.3m (279'10&quot;)">Alucia2</a> is always accessible no matter what her location while a submarine hangar on the main deck is designed to carry three 1000-metre manned submersibles to get closer to the unknown than ever before.