Over the past several days, yachting media from around the world have chronicled an important milestone. REV Ocean, the impressive 600-footer (nearly 183-meter) pictured above, floated on her lines for the first time. Headline after headline touted her as the world’s largest superyacht.
One problem. A big problem (no pun intended). REV Ocean isn’t a superyacht. Regardless, she is a fantastic story we couldn’t wait to share. No doubt that after reading this, you’ll understand why.
First, if she’s not a superyacht, what is she? REV Ocean is a research vessel. She’s being equipped with laboratories and specialized equipment to support scientists while traveling the globe, including polar waters. She’s the brainchild of Norwegian businessman Kjell Inge Røkke. He is passionate about not just understanding what’s impacting our oceans, but also finding solutions to protect them. Plastics, climate change, overfishing; you name it, he wants to tackle it.
So, where does the superyacht confusion come from? Well, Røkke is an experienced yachtsman. In addition, he hired one of the most talented yacht designers, Espen Øino, to pen REV Ocean’s lines as well as design and outfit some areas. When the vessel isn’t on scientific expeditions, she’ll be available for private individuals, corporations, and institutions to charter, to learn more about the oceans’ health. In this capacity, REV Ocean will carry 28 guests, plus have lounges, dining areas, staterooms, and more luxury spaces.
At the end of the day, we’re fascinated by REV Ocean regardless of her formal vessel category. Her story is one of extraordinary hope, and promise. She will enable scientists to research the entire marine ecosystem. The technology she features comes straight from leading minds in engineering, science, and the environment. And, a team of scientists anxiously awaits her delivery day, a year from now, so that she can start pursuing projects that they recommend. They are specially tapped to recommend these projects, too, so that REV Ocean upholds proper scientific and research standards.
All because one person, Røkke, cares so much.
You can learn more about REV Ocean, including an incredible first-of-its kind ocean-data platform that she’ll contribute to, here.