After her technical launch in August 2019, the 182.9-metre Research Expedition Vessel (REV Ocean) has arrived at the Vard Brattvaag shipyard in Norway for the next phase of construction. The vessel ordered by Norwegian 4th richest man, Kjell Inge Røkke, is set to become the largest yacht in the world, beating out the current record holder, the 180-metre Azzam by 1.6 metres.
Photo: Lawrence Hislop via REV Ocean
REV Ocean earlier departed the Vard Tulcea shipyard in Romania, being pulled by the tugboat Kamarina.
Nina Jensen, CEO of REV Ocean, said upon the arrival:
Today is one of the most exciting moments in the development of our research vessel. We now watch with great anticipation as she will develop into a full-fledged and operational vessel with state of the art scientific equipment to be installed by the talented team at Vard Brattvaag. This is a major milestone towards achieving our mission of achieving one healthy ocean.
Photo: Lawrence Hislop via REV Ocean
REV has been commissioned by Norwegian ocean research company Rosellinis Four-10, owned by Norwegian industrialist billionaire Kjell Inge Roekke. His real-time net worth is estimated at $3.2 billion (Forbes). Meanwhile, REV Ocean is a not-for-profit foundation established and funded by Kjell Inge Røkke together with marine biologist Nina Jensen, former CEO of WWF Norway (Verdens naturfond).
Photo: Espen Gjelsten / Fuglefjellet via REV Ocean
The superyacht was designed by Espen Oeino for expedition activities has been built by commercial shipbuilder VARD. The renowned designer also worked on the world's largest expedition superyacht at the moment of writing, the 125-metre Lürssen Octopus.
Photo: Espen Gjelsten / Fuglefjellet via REV Ocean
Her robust exterior lines and modern features ensure she is able to cruise in arctic and tropical areas alike, with a hull built to ICE PC6 for navigation in ice. Two helipads can host drones and helicopter, while overhead cranes can lift and launch equipment weighing up to 20T over the side.
Photo: Lawrence Hislop via REV Ocean
REV Ocean will be equipped for conducting missions that cover the entire global marine ecosystem and will be an inclusive global vessel for testing and proliferating ocean solutions. The vessel will be used by scientists and innovators for solutions-oriented research that explore issues such as the impact CO2 emissions have on the ocean, plastic pollution, and unsustainable fishing.
The vessel is 182.9 meters long and will have the capacity of holding 55 scientists and 35 crew. Equipment on-board includes scientific trawls, sonar systems, laboratories, auditorium, moonpool, Triton submarine with 2,300-metre depth capacity, an ROV with 6,000-metre depth capacity and advanced communication equipment.
Photo: Lawrence Hislop via REV Ocean
The vessel will be constructed to run on diesel electric engines, with an additional 3MW lithium-ion battery pack for peak shaving and ensuring optimum efficiency. She will also qualify for the Polar Code adopted by The International Maritime Organisation for ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic conditions and can operate autonomously for 114 days.
Built for environmental research missions, the Research Expedition Vessel (REV) will also be available for charter for recreational purposes and expeditions.
Photo: Espen Gjelsten / Fuglefjellet via REV Ocean
George Gill, Project Director and Owners Representative, said:
REV’s arrival in Brattvåg is a crucial step in her development, she will lay here in Norway for the coming months, and this establishes the core groundwork for the research and operations of the vessel. Getting these important systems and her keystone machinery right is critical to her success and position within the Worlds research fleet.
Photo: Espen Gjelsten / Fuglefjellet via REV Ocean
Oystein Mikelborg, REV Ocean Operations Director, added:
The arrival in Brattvåg is a major milestone and a new chapter for REV Ocean. In the next few months, VARD Brattvaag will turn this into one of the world’s most advanced research vessels. The complexity and sheer scale of the work ahead is challenging, and I know it will be very busy days ahead both for the yard and the Owner’s team.
Photo: Espen Gjelsten / Fuglefjellet via REV Ocean
The vessel shall remain at the shipyard for eight-month outfitting, further headed to Germany for final stages of construction. The full completion is scheduled for late 2020/ early 2021.
Cantieri di Pisa will participate in the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025, marking its second appearance under current ownership. The company will display scale models of its Polaris, Saturno, and Akhir yacht lines at a Vieux Port exhibition space with private terrace.Cantieri di Pisa Custom 40mSince 2021 leadership under CEO Marco Massabò, the shipyard has expanded facilities and developed three new yacht ranges. The current product portfolio includes:Polaris voyager yachts from 38 to 60 metersSaturno models from 38 to 90 meters featuring updated traditional design elementsAkhir fast motor yachts reflecting the brand's historical design languageAll designs were developed under chief designer Antonio Luxardo in collaboration with m2atelier, Parisotto + Formenton, and Pulina Design Interiors.Akir 44The shipyard has commenced construction on a 40-meter custom steel-aluminum superyacht with under 500 GT volume. The design by Antonio Luxardo and engineering by Studio Sa.Ma.Re Design accommodates six guest cabins and eight crew members. The vessel targets worldwide cruising and charter operations.Akir 44The refit division reports five-fold revenue increase in 2024 compared to previous year, handling over 30 yacht refits totaling more than 1,500 meters in length during 2025. Facilities now cover 24,000 square meters with 300-ton travel lift and 670-ton waterlift capabilities. Staff includes 20 direct employees with plans to add approximately 12 additional professionals.Further infrastructure upgrades are planned, including crew accommodations and renovation of a 200-meter-long industrial shed covering 3,400 square meters. The shipyard maintains a supply chain network of 200-300 specialized contractors.Cantieri di Pisa Custom 40mCantieri di Pisa continues production at its historic facility while expanding both new construction and refit operations. The Cannes exhibition demonstrates the company's renewed market presence following ownership changes and facility investments completed since 2021.Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
September 4, 2025
Arcadia Yachts has launched the first unit of its A80new model from its Sorrento shipyard, with a third hull sold for delivery in 2026. The 23.98-meter yacht will make its official debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025.The design addresses Mediterranean cruising regulations including Posidonia Oceanica protection measures. The widebody configuration provides interior volumes comparable to larger yachts while maintaining under-24-meter classification. The layout includes a main deck master suite with direct sea access and four lower deck guest cabins. Crew accommodations consist of two double cabins with separate bathrooms.Technical features include solar panel systems and optimized energy management components. A stern garage accommodates tenders up to 3.95 meters or water toys. The design emphasizes compliance with environmental regulations while maintaining cruising capabilities in protected marine areas.Arcadia Yachts CEO Ugo Pellegrino stated: "A80new confirms the evolution of our products, a process that began two years ago with A96new. We want to continue to play a leading role in the development of yachting that respects nature, including underwater nature."The sale of the third hull to existing Arcadia owners demonstrates continued market demand for the yard's approach to midsize yacht construction. The model will compete in the under-24-meter segment against offerings from other Mediterranean shipyards.The Cannes Yachting Festival presentation will mark the first public showing of the A80new, following the company's pattern of introducing new models at major European boat shows. Arcadia Yachts continues production at its Naples-area facility, maintaining its focus on solar-assisted yacht systems and compliance with evolving environmental regulations.Arcadia Yachts is based in Naples, Italy. Since 2008, Arcadia Yachts has been building semi-custom luxury composite yachts and has succeeded in perfectly integrating artisanal craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and to the surrounding environment. The Arcadia Yachts fleet has included two ranges since September 2016. The shipyard’s first and most characterizing range is the A range, which includes four models (A85, A85s, A105 and A115). The Sherpa range has a new model, the 24m Sherpa XL, which was launched at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. The new model, A96, debuted at 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.Credits: Arcadia Yachts
September 3, 2025
The Azimut|Benetti Group forecasts €1.5 billion in revenue for the 2024/2025 nautical season, representing a 15% increase over previous results. The company's current order backlog totals €2.5 billion with production scheduled through 2029.Three strategic priorities guide the Group's operations: €115 million in infrastructure investments, expansion of product categories targeting both experienced and new-generation owners, and penetration of emerging markets. The company maintains geographically diversified orders with 38% from Europe, 31% from the Americas, and 31% from EMEA-APAC regions.Infrastructure developments include upgrades to the Avigliana production facility for yachts up to 28 meters, a Light Steel Hub for vessels under 45 meters, and a Composite Hub in Tuscany specializing in fiberglass and carbon fiber processing for megayachts. The Lusben refit division continues to expand its specialized service capabilities.Product innovation focuses on two primary segments: Azimut's Seadeck series emphasizing reduced environmental impact and the Grande series between 26-40 meters, alongside Benetti's Oasis and B.Yond families emphasizing connection with marine environments. The Group plans September introductions of new voyager-class yachts from Azimut and a new category combining motor yacht comfort with sailing inspirations from Benetti.Market expansion continues with new showrooms in Monaco adjacent to the Monaco Yacht Club and Fort Lauderdale's Pier Sixty-Six development. The Middle East represents the fastest-growing market, increasing from 23% to 31% of order portfolio, with Saudi Arabia generating over €300 million in sales during the past 24 months. New offices will open in Jeddah (Azimut) and Riyadh (Benetti).The Asia-Pacific region maintains established representation through direct offices and dealer networks across Japan, China, Australia, and Southeast Asian markets. Despite new import tariffs, the Americas remain a crucial market where the Group maintains leadership positions in multiple yacht categories.The Group's production infrastructure and order portfolio demonstrate continued resilience amid market fluctuations, with strategic investments targeting both operational efficiency and market expansion through fiscal year 2025/2026.Credits: Azimut|Benetti Group
September 3, 2025
Feadship has become a member of the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO), an industry group focused on developing regulatory frameworks for floating nuclear power applications. The membership aligns with Feadship's energy transition strategy initiated in 2020.The shipyard's research and development program has included assessment of nuclear propulsion systems for superyachts, examining technical requirements and operational implications. Current barriers to adoption include unresolved regulatory issues regarding radiation safety, port access restrictions, and operational limitations in ecologically sensitive areas.Giedo Loeff, Feadship's Head of Innovation and Strategy, stated: "Joining NEMO aligns with our vision to explore every credible pathway toward a sustainable future. Nuclear power may not be tomorrow's solution for superyachts, but it could be part of the long-term horizon."Fourth-generation nuclear reactor technology has potential maritime applications including offshore power generation and zero-emission propulsion for large vessels. Feadship's participation in NEMO will focus on contributing to safety standards and operational guidelines for nuclear technologies at sea.Giedo LoeffThe company's energy transition roadmap has previously incorporated multi-fuel systems and fuel cell integration projects. Nuclear propulsion represents a potential long-term solution for carbon-neutral operations, though economic and crew training requirements present significant implementation challenges.Feadship's membership in NEMO reflects the superyacht industry's increasing engagement with alternative propulsion technologies. The organization brings together maritime stakeholders to address regulatory gaps for floating nuclear applications, with particular focus on safety protocols and international compliance standards.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
September 3, 2025
The Italian Sea Group will participate in the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025, exhibiting vessels at both Vieux Port and Port Canto locations. The company's display will include the Picchiotti Gentleman 24 and Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 models at the Super Yachts Extension 146 area.Gianmaria Costantino, Chief Commercial Officer of The Italian Sea Group, stated: "The Cannes Yachting Festival is a key strategic event for us – a unique opportunity to strengthen our presence in international markets and engage with owners, partners, and leading industry players."The 24-meter Picchiotti Gentleman features design by Luca Dini Design & Architecture, combining wooden superstructure elements with steel details. The model presents a contemporary interpretation of traditional yacht design elements.The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 represents a collaboration with Automobili Lamborghini, incorporating carbon fiber components and automotive-inspired design features. The yacht's design includes signature lighting elements and a cockpit configuration derived from automotive influences.The exhibition demonstrates The Italian Sea Group's continued focus on the luxury yacht market through its multiple brand portfolio. The company's participation aligns with its strategy of presenting distinct design philosophies across its product ranges.The Cannes Yachting Festival expects approximately 50,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors for its 2025 edition. The Italian Sea Group will maintain its exhibition space in the superyacht section of the event, which features vessels exceeding 24 meters in length.The company's presentation emphasizes its dual approach to yacht design, balancing traditional nautical aesthetics with automotive-inspired performance concepts. Both exhibited models represent current production offerings from the group's shipyards in Italy.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
September 2, 2025