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Inside the Incredible Superyacht REV

The eco-conscious research yacht will offer guests a different kind of charter experience.

By Emma Al-Mousawi

A few years ago, the thought of a floating eco-metropolis powered by hybrid energy, filled with the best scientific minds and equipment that could journey to the most secluded corners of Earth would have been dismissed as science fiction. Now it could be just around the corner. Meet the incredible yacht , REV Ocean.

Measuring 600 ft in length, she has one mission: to make the ocean healthy again.  Funded by Norwegian billionaire businessman and philanthropist Kjell Inge Røkke, who has vowed to give away half of his fortune to environmental causes, REV Ocean is set to be the world’s largest superyacht taking the title from its current holder, the 590.6- ft Azzam.  

The super-sized ship shares its name with the not-for-profit foundation that Røkke established together with marine biologist and former WWF Norway CEO Nina Jensen. The vessel itself forms a major part of the organization’s strategy to spearhead the next generation of ocean solutions and raise awareness of the global impacts of pollution, climate change and overfishing. 

REV Ocean will be kitted out with the latest sampling, observation, mapping and communication equipment for carrying out research that encompasses the whole marine ecosystem, from the icy abyss of the polar regions to the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. 

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Built by Norwegian shipyard VARD and designed by renowned naval Architect Espen Øino, REV Ocean will be powered by ultra-quiet hybrid propulsion and will have a max speed of 17.8 knots . She will also feature a lithium-ion battery pack that can be used to power the propulsion motors for silent running, limiting underwater acoustic pollution during biomass sampling on research missions.

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Determined to limit her environmental footprint, the multidisciplinary team behind her design and build has installed an endless list of eco-focused gadgets that include a ‘Green Pilot’ to monitor emissions as well as a water treatment system to prevent species cross-contamination across ocean zones. However, the most innovative of all has to be REV Ocean’s incinerator which gobbles up plastics in an environmentally positive way without producing noxious gases. This means the vessel does not have to off-load plastic waste to shoreside facilities in locations with little ability to dispose of plastics.

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After a delayed launch thanks to the global pandemic, REV Ocean is finally set to hit the water in 2026. She will be available to charter for one-third of the year, enabling guests to join scientific experts in an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime expedition. What’s more, any profit generated through the use of the vessel is reinvested into the charity’s vital ocean-saving work. 

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Although REV Ocean is a superyacht, a floating palace she is not. Those looking for the glamour and grandeur found on the likes of her superyacht predecessors Azzam or Eclipse might want to look elsewhere. REV Ocean is unashamedly a different type of vessel; one that confidently stands out from the crowd to offer an alternative adventure.

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As a charter vessel, REV Ocean will be able to comfortably accommodate 28 guests in 18 cabins. Her interiors have been imagined by the London Studio H2 Design who are responsible for, amongst others, the contemporary designs onboard the famed explorer yacht Ulysees as well as the luxurious and modern style found within the new 262.5 ft superyacht Tatiana . 

Speaking to Yacht Charter Fleet in 2019, H2’s founder J onny Horsfield explained that designing the interiors for a vessel like REV Ocean required a fresh approach: “ It is now my challenge to deliver a new kind of interior that is fit for the demands of its purpose, one that is holistic in its requirement to connect to the environment around it, and establish a new way of thinking to a project that has no precedent,” he said.

Indeed Horsfield admitted that despite REV Ocean’s unparalleled size (she measures 17,440 GT), the vessel crams in so many technological advancements that a major challenge has been fitting everything in. However, judging by the incredible list of exciting marine research equipmen t   she is set t o house on board, it appears to be a challenge that H2 has risen to.

Although much of her interiors are yet to be revealed, it’s safe to say she may not be quite as opulent as some of her superyacht predecessors; but this feels very much like a choice made in keeping with the vessel’s purpose. “She has been designed towards a more industrial look but with a Scandinavian minimalist approach to the [details]. All the materials are simple, basic materials like concrete, wood, metal and stone,” said Horsfield. 

[See more: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

REV Ocean may not exude the glamour of some of the world’s other largest superyachts but despite this, charter guests will still be able to enjoy many of the luxuries found onboard her more lavish counterparts.

She is set to offer guests the choice of three swimming pools, a jacuzzi, a gym and a spa. There will be multiple dining rooms and recreational spaces onboard ideal for relaxing or entertaining, as well as several observation platforms to spot marine life or take in the unforgettable polar sunrises. 

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Her adventure-loving guests will have the opportunity to leave the jacuzzi behind and immerse themselves in the groundbreaking marine research taking place on board. With over 43,000 sq ft of the vessel dedicated to scientific research facilities, including laboratories and a dive center, there will be plenty of scope to join scientists in their mission-critical work. 

As is to be expected, this futuristic mega-vessel also holds an incredible collection of tenders and submersibles . This includes a three-person Triton 7500/3 series submersible capable of diving to 7,500 ft which is lowered into the ocean’s depths via the ship’s 25-ft moon pool in the hull. Adventures via air are made possible by REV Ocean’s Airbus ACH145 helicopter which is served by two helipads. 

From remote polar regions to the tropics, REV Ocean is designed to cope with the planet’s most extreme conditions thanks to her ice-class hull. Possessing a range of 21,120 nautical miles,  she will be able to pretty much circumnavigate the globe without refueling meaning no location is off-limits. 

Originally planned for 2021, REV Ocean’s maiden voyage was set to be a scientific mission to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, home to a diverse population of wildlife including seals, polar bears, whales and walruses. This has been put on hold as she awaits completion, with expect ed delivery in early 2025 and be fully operational from 2026. Other expeditions in the pipeline are rumored to include the Caribbean and the Galapagos. 

revocean.org

[See also: Twenty for 20: Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century]

Emma Al-Mousawi

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Exclusive: Owner not backing down on plans for world’s largest yacht REV Ocean

The 182.9-metre, record-breaking research expedition vessel REV Ocean has resumed construction at one of Vard 's facilities in Norway with a new length of 195 metres. BOAT International has confirmed that delivery is scheduled for February 2025, with REV Ocean expected to become fully operational from Q4 2026.

Following the announcement, REV Ocean CEO Nina Jensen spoke to BOAT International : "Since we are a bit behind schedule, there's an increased ambition and impatience to get going. The fact that our owner hasn't backed down is really a testament to his commitment to see this through and, of course, to have an impact at the end of the day."

Construction on REV Ocean paused in 2021, but the shipyard has affirmed that its vision for the vessel remains "unchanged" and that work will be done to improve its functionality. This includes an amidships extension of 12 metres, lengthening the existing hull to increase buoyancy and replacing some steel with lightweight materials. REV Ocean will also have a rearranged layout that sees "more space and increased science capacity in the main hangar of the vessel".

Owner and Norwegian businessman Kjell Inge Røkke previously explained: " REV [Ocean] will be a platform for gathering knowledge. I would like to welcome researchers, environmental groups, and other institutions on board, to acquire new skills to evolve innovative solutions to address challenges and opportunities connected to the seas."

Although it will not be considered a fully-fledged superyacht, the vessel has been developed in collaboration with leading superyacht designer  Espen Øino . Originally set to be outfitted at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany, the location of REV Ocean 's final shed is up in the air with "several different countries" still on the list.

Advanced oceanography equipment will be fitted on board, allowing the vessel to survey marine areas, currents, the seabed, fish, animals and plant life. Following the extension, REV Ocean will have space for a dedicated submarine hangar, a HiPAP system to track subsea equipment and an additional science lab. A 3D printing facility and onboard metal shop will allow the team to be relatively self-sufficient, creating spare parts while on missions.

REV Ocean will also have a media room for conducting livestreamed podcasts and interviews with people on board. “I don’t want to disclose anything we’re planning," added Jensen, "But if there’s someone that you think is super exciting, you can rest assured that this person will be invited to come aboard."

As is fitting for an environmentally conscious project,  REV Ocean  has been designed to be as fuel efficient as possible, with an energy recovery rudder system, medium speed engines, a direct drive diesel-electric propulsion system, and an exhaust cleaning system. The yacht's increase in size, however, will lead to a 32 per cent increase in fuel capacity (and a corresponding increase in range) – though the shipyard has said that her new length would "have a fairly minor impact on fuel consumption". 

"We eagerly await delivery of this unique research and expedition vessel. We thank all our team members, friends and partners for their patience during this time and look forward to finally setting sail," concluded a spokesperson for REV Ocean.

Once delivered, REV Ocean will be available for charter . Plans for her maiden voyage include a trip to the Arctic via the Norwegian coast, after which she will make her way down to the Southern Ocean via the United States and South America.

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This World’s Largest Superyacht Was Designed to Save the Oceans

The 600-foot "rev ocean" will be used as both a research vessel and charter yacht..

Senior Staff Writer

Bryan Hood's Most Recent Stories

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Azzam ’s six-year reign as the world’s largest superyacht is coming to an end. The 590-foot boat owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates will soon be displaced at the top of that very exclusive list by a just-launched 600-foot expedition yacht from Norway.

The massive REV Ocean superyacht was set free at the the VARD Tulcea shipyard in Romania on Saturday, the company announced in a press release over the weekend. The yacht’s first taste of ocean water follows an extensive 18-month construction process. There’s still work to be done, though, before the behemoth is fully complete.

REV Ocean is the brainchild of billionaire businessman Kjell Inge Røkke. He has called the yacht the cornerstone to his goal of improving ocean health worldwide. The Espen Oeino-designed boat, which the Norwegian considers equal parts research vessel and charter yacht, will shuttle scientists around the world, allowing them to gather vital information about the impact of carbon dioxide emissions, plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing. Røkke hopes the research will aid in efforts to preserve the sea.

A rendering of the completed “Rev Ocean” superyacht.  Rev Ocean

“Today is an especially exciting day, our state-of-the-art research vessel has achieved a major milestone and we are now one step closer to realizing our vision of safeguarding the ocean,” CEO Nina Jensen said. “We look forward with great anticipation to REV Ocean ’s journey to Norway and seeing the next stage of progress towards our ambitions of developing ocean solutions.”

The boat will now travel from Romania to Norway, where the finishing touches will be applied over the coming months, according to Forbes . During this stage, the boat will be outfitted with all manner of scientific gear and equipment, including research labs, sonar systems, a moon pool, classrooms, an auditorium and a remote operated robot capable of diving to depths of up to 20,000 feet (or about 3.7 miles below the surface). Once complete, the boat will be able to carry 55 scientists, along with a crew of 35.

But the superyacht won’t just be for scientists. The vessel’s website makes clear that REV Ocean will also be available for charter by groups or individuals “seeking to improve their awareness of the ocean.” During charters, the ship will be able to accommodate up to 28 guests, with room for 54 crew members. Pricing information isn’t yet available, but proceeds from charters will be used to help fund the boat’s research operations.

Check out more photos of the ship’s launch below:

Bryan Hood is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. Before joining the magazine, he worked for the New York Post, Artinfo and New York magazine, where he covered everything from celebrity gossip to…

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REV OCEAN - future World's Largest Charter Yacht now gets even bigger and new delivery date announced

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By Anna Ingles   11 November 2023

In a riveting development for the world of luxury yacht charters , the ambitious REV Ocean project is back on course for its 2026 launch. After overcoming technical hurdles, the future world's largest charter yacht is set to redefine maritime exploration with its unique blend of opulence and scientific endeavor.

The shipbuilder VARD has reached an agreement to proceed with the construction of the REV Ocean vessel, with enhancements to extend its length by 12 meters, making her around 195m (640ft) LOA, and to refine various design aspects. These modifications will enhance the vessel's scientific capabilities, as well as provide additional space for guests and researchers alike. VARD is on schedule to deliver the vessel in February 2025, allowing for its operational debut in the last quarter of 2026.

REV Ocean is not just any luxury yacht for charter; it's a vessel with a mission. Coined as a "charter with a purpose," it will be available for private yacht charters that accompany teams of researchers. This innovative charter arrangement enables individuals to participate in groundbreaking oceanic research while enjoying the voyage of a lifetime.

REV will be a platform for gathering knowledge. I would like to welcome researchers, environmental groups, and other institutions on board, to acquire new skills to evolve innovative solutions to address challenges and opportunities connected to the seas Kjell Inge Røkke, Owner

Guests aboard the explorer yacht REV Ocean will have the opportunity to engage in various activities, such as uncovering shipwrecks, observing marine wildlife in Antarctica , diving to explore coral reefs, and contributing to vital oceanographic research. The yacht's state-of-the-art facilities, including its Triton submersible and advanced scientific laboratories, will allow travelers to immerse themselves in the critical work supporting the UN Decade of Ocean Science.

Aboard this luxury yacht for charter, one can expect yacht-standard amenities, including exquisite food and cosmetics sourced from natural ingredients. The vessel is not only a haven for adventure but also a platform for education, with opportunities to learn diving, piloting submersibles, and engaging in local community science programs.

First look onboard

YachtCharterFleet had the honor of an exclusive tour of REV Ocean in 2019 . They provided us a glimpse into the vessel's impressive scientific equipment and research facilities, along with insights into the vision of the owner, Kjell Inke Rokke. In line with its environmental ethos, REV Ocean boasts fuel efficiency, an energy recovery rudder system, and an exhaust cleaning system.

Anticipation is high for the launch of this pioneering vessel, which promises to be a game-changer in both the luxury charter market and the field of marine science. The REV Ocean experience is poised to offer travelers an unparalleled adventure, seamlessly blending the essence of luxury with the spirit of conservation and discovery.

If you're interested in a once in a life time REV OCEAN research yacht charter contact your chosen  yacht charter broker today to register your interest.

Expedition yachts currently available for charter in 2023/24

126m Lurssen 2003 / 2024

77m Damen Yachting 2020

75m Abeking & Rasmussen 2016

77m IHC Verschure 1974 / 2019

74m Freire Shipyard 2011 / 2014

73m Admiral Yachts 2018

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