Earlier this year it was revealed that Norwegian billionaire, Kjell Inge Røkke would build the world's largest yacht in the world. With a length of 181.6 meters, his Research Expedition Vessel (REV) is set to beat out the current record holder, the 180 meter Azzam, by 1.6 meters.
Designed by industry superstar, Espen Oeino, the REV will be built by Vard and boast accommodation for up to 36 guests. Following her delivery in 2020, the superyacht will be made available for charter, her main purpose will however be to act as a platform for research and expeditions according to her owner.
"The REV will be a platform for gathering knowledge" her future owner, Kjell Inge Røkke explained. "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 sea."
Valued at $2,9 billion by Forbes, Røkke is currently the fourth richest man in Norway and 693rd in the world. Having started out as an 18 year-old fisherman with no higher education, Røkke made his fortune in the fishing space, purchasing his first trawler in the 1980s and eventually building up a large fleet. Earlier this year Røkke said he planned to give most of his fortune away.
The REV, set to be operated in tandem with WWF is one of the key focuses of his plan to help the environment. Set to be delivered by Vard in 2020, the yacht will be able to deploy mini-submarines, drones and actual submarines, transport up to 60 researches, gather data up to a depth of 6,000 meters and remove up to 5 tons of plastic per day.
Røkke further explained to the media that his first large factory trawler was built by Vard 30 years ago and that he had maintained a great working relationship with them since then, which is why the Norway-based shipyard obtained the contract to build the REV.
Amongst key features on the REV will be equipment for monitoring and surveying marine areas, modern laboratories, an auditorium, two helipads, a hangar for a remote operated vehicle and an autonomous underwater vehicle as a multifunctional cargo deck aft of the ship.
"There may not be any economic rationale for the private construction of such a ship, but the case is compelling from the ocean's point of view" Røkke explained. "I look forward to working with scientists and positive, knowledgeable, solution-orientated people both in Norway and internationally."
When not in use for research, the Research Expedition Vessel will however also engage in 'traditional' charter activity, being rented out to ultra high net worth individuals on a weekly basis. Under this configuration, the megayacht would carry up to 36 guests and a crew of 54.
"The vessel will be built to the highest standard making it suitable for charter to private individuals, companies, and institutions, which will generate research funding, and my family and I will also charter and use the ship as a place for recreation and inspiration" detailed Røkke.
Operated by the World Wide Fund's (WWF) Norwegian branch and its CEO, Nina Jensen, the non-profit will benefit from complete autonomy in managing the yacht with regards to her billionaire owner according to one of his statements. Røkke plans to give away most of his fortune to clean up the oceans.
With a length of 181.6-meters, the REV beats out the 180-meter Azzam for the title of the world's largest yacht by 1.6 meters. Built for the Emir of Dubai by Lurssen in 2013, Azzam is world famous for being the current record holder. Designed by Christophe Leoni and Nauta Yachts, Azzam can reach a top speed of 30 knots powered by engines giving her a total of 94,000 hp.
Prior to Azzam, the title was, for a long time, held by the 162.5-meter Eclipse. Built by Blohm+Voss in 2010 for Russian billionaire and Chelsea FC owner, Roman Abramovich, she features two helipads and a special set of lime-colored lifeboats to qualify to transport a larger number of guests.
Whilst the REV's 2020 delivery date positions her to becoming the world's longest yacht, it is currently unlikely that she will become the world's largest yacht by interior volume due to her open space of the yacht. This record is currently held by Russian billionaire, Alisher Usmanov and his 156-meter Dilbar, delivered by Lurssen in 2016.
The REV is part of a recent explosive growth in Norway's super yacht sector, with several of the world's largest yachts in build in the Scandinavian country. One of these is the 116-meter explorer, Ulysses, which will become the second explorer yacht the shipyard will have delivered to New Zealand's richest man, Graeme Hart in the past 3 years.
Just a few days ago, the shipyard signed a contract to build yet another 100m explorer in partnership with Lurssen. This follows several other commercial shipyards in Norway venturing into the super yacht space and Norway increasing its popularity as a destination for super yachts itself.
Previously most famous for importing his version of American capitalism to Norway, Røkke is already not a stranger to the super yacht world as one might expect. The first yacht that the press linked to Roekke has been the 66-meter sailing yacht, Aglaia delivered by Dutch-based Vitters in 2012.
Designed by Dubois and built out of aluminum, the 66-meter can have its mainsail up in less than two minutes according to the shipyard. She also carries the largest artwork ever made on canvas, a fully customized sail made by Norwegian artist Magne Furuholmen. Now renamed Ahimsa, she was sold at the end of 2014.
Roekke was also reportedly the original owner of the 70-meter Reverie. The largest yacht by gross tonnage ever built by Italian shipyard, Benetti at the time of her build, Reverie was delivered to a design by John Munford in 2000.
With an interior volume of 1,975 GT, Reverie, now known as Freedom following her recent change in ownership in 2013 at an asking price of $49,5 million, she stretches over seven decks.
Røkke's latest yacht is believed to be the 85.9-meter sailing yacht Aquijo. Delivered in 2016 as a joint partnership between Vitters, the builders of the first yacht linked to Røkke and Oceanco, a renowned builder of yachts mainly over 80 meters.
Vitters developed a custom steering system for Aquijo. It works by translating the hydrodynamic forces on the rudder blades directly to the steering wheels on the flybridge, thus providing the helmsman with immediate feedback and a feeling for how the yacht is moving through the water.
The yacht comprises 4 decks and is able to accommodate up to 12 guests. Spaces, particularly where alfresco areas abut interior ones, were configured to flow from one to the other without restrictions.
Aquijo is not only the largest ketch in the world but also among the 10 largest sailing superyachts completed to date. Built under the project name P85, the German studio Dölker + Voges was responsible for her interior design, whilst Tripp Design Naval Architecture styled her exterior.
Often hailed by media as the self-made man who changed the way business was done in Norway, Roekke is also known in the business world as a billionaire with an explosive temper and a taste for the supersized according to Reuters. Currently valued at $2,9 billion by Forbes, Roekke's fortune initially came from fishing, since then the 55-year-old has however expanded his empire.
Leaving high school as a dyslexic teenager with no education, he moved to Seattle to become a fisherman in Seattle. Saving up and eventually investing in a number of old boats, transforming them into trawlers and building up his fortune in the process. Roekke then chose to return to Norway in the 1990s, seeing new opportunities in his home country.
Shortly after his return to Norway, Roekke acquired 40% of 173-year-old conglomerate, Aker in 1996 and merged it with his Resources Group International before acquiring Kvaerner in 2000.
"He was the first one to bring American-style, aggressive capitalism to Norway, daring to use shareholder power to get what he wanted." detailed one of his biographers. "This was quite unheard of in Norway at the time."
When many had thought that Roekke would act as a corporate raider, chopping off the company piece by piece for cash, he took a different approach. "He has shown he thinks about the long-term when he makes investments and buys firms." commented Det Norske former executive, Erik Haugane.
In 2014, Roekke's Det Norske paid $2,1 billion in cash to acquire Marathon Oil's Norwegian business, creating the second largest oil producer in the country behind Statoil. Since his Aker holding has also divested from his original fishing business.
"My wife is totally right when she says I suffer from an incurable disease: gigantomania. She has tried to cure me but given up." he wrote in a 2011 letter to shareholders. "We had agreed to build a sailboat of 66. She meant 66 feet; naturally, I was thinking in meters. It ended up at 66 meters."
Azimut is taking part in the Venice Boat Show from May 31 to June 4 with the Verve 42 on show in a premiere for the European market. This year Azimut has chosen Venice for the European premiere of Verve 42. The high-performance weekender will be on display alongside Magellano 66, Fly 68 and Fly 72.Verve 42Verve 42 is a 13-meter weekender that has reset the bar in the category, transforming the liveability of its predecessor, Verve 47, to work in a smaller space and appealing to a younger target of water lovers. The Stepped ‘V’ Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) hull designed by Michael Peters reduces water resistance, ensures smooth, clean entry, and enhances performance. The interior design and exterior styling are by Francesco Struglia, who has penned head-turning lines with in-hull glazing right up to the gunwale, giving the helm station an open feel and conveying the sensation of unprecedented intimacy with the water.Fly 68The sporty Verve 42 can accommodate as many as 12 guests during the day. The outdoor area is the perfect multi-purpose living space, while below deck the dining area that converts into a double bed and the double cabin allow four guests to spend one or more nights on board. Finally, with three Mercury outboard engines rated 400 hp or 450 hp, Verve 42 has a top speed of 45 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots.Magellano 66Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
May 29, 2023
Since last summer when Silent-Yachts became the sole owner of its Italian shipyard in Fano, the privately owned company has streamlined the production process and continues to increase the size of its team to handle the growth in sales. The shipyard is ideally placed to take advantage of a well-established network of local subcontractors and key suppliers.With 22,000 sqm of covered space and a similar exterior surface area, production is focused on the Silent 60 series of solar-powered, full-electric catamarans. The Silent 80 series, the Silent 120 and a few more Silent 60 series yachts are being built in Turkey.Silent 60“The GRP hulls and superstructures are produced and assembled in one shed, then transferred to another for installation of the technical equipment and interior furniture,” explains Founder and CEO Michael Köhler. “Next door to the outfitting shed we have a large warehouse for storing components and materials. Since fully acquiring the facility, the focus has been on establishing a thoroughly reliable and efficient series production process.”The next delivery in June will be a two-deck version of the Silent 62 to the US owner, who plans to make the yacht available for charter to corporate clients. This particular model is a special one-off project with two dedicated conference rooms, two guest cabins and accommodation for crew. Several other launches are scheduled to leave the Italian yard this year, including the first Silent 62 3-deck (hull #4) in late summer. Based on the bestselling Silent 60, this version of the Silent 62 offers an additional deck instead of the regular flybridge, while also increasing the overall length of the hull by two feet.Over 15 Silent 60 yachts have been assigned for construction in Italy with the next available delivery in early 2025. Silent 60“Moving forward, in 2024 we are aiming to launch one new unit per month and production of the fully electric Silent Tender series will also be based in Fano,” says Köhler. “The first prototype tender unveiled at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival was fitted with an electric outboard motor. The range now includes three models – the Silent Tender 400, 450 and 520 – available with electric jet propulsion.”Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
May 29, 2023
From May 31 to June 4, Bluegame will participate in the upcoming Venice Boat Show to be held in the Venice Arsenal, together with Sanlorenzo. SL78The Ameglia shipyard will showcase the BG42 and BG54 together with the parent company's SL78 and will welcome visitors to the stretch of water right under the large hands of the work "Building bridges" by the contemporary Italian Artist Lorenzo Quinn; a work known all over the world, 6 pairs of monumental hands carrying universal values: hope, help, love, wisdom, faith and friendship, bridge the basin of the Arsenale.BG42 Also the visitors will be able to see the large-scale model of the BGH, the tender that Bluegame is building to flank American Magic, challenger to the 37th edition of the America's Cup in November 2024 in Barcelona, which will be launched in August. A vessel that represents the ultimate expression of sustainability: a 10-meter multihull, with dynamic foils, powered exclusively by hydrogen fuel cells, that will literally "fly" at 50 knots with zero emissions, releasing no more than a drop of water.BGHBGH will be presented, along with the group's high sustainability projects, which see it as an absolute forerunner on the path to carbon neutrality, during "Sanlorenzo: hydrogen, (our) road to 2030" that will take place on June 1 at the Venice Arsenale (Sala Squadratori/Squadrators Hall), on the day of the Biennale dedicated to Sustainability.BG54Bluegame is part of Sanlorenzo. The Sanlorenzo shipyard has been building high-quality motor yachts since 1958. It is a boutique firm in the yachting industry, building only a limited number of made-to-measure units per year. Each yacht is designed and produced according to the specific requests, style, and desires of the individual owner.Credits: Bluegame
May 29, 2023
Australian yacht manufacturer Maritimo announces the arrival of the S75 Sedan Motor Yacht. From a form that balances authority and grace in every way and from every angle, the S75 is the embodiment of everything that is Maritimo. With its elegant Portofino hips and reverse sheer, the S75's aesthetic is complemented by purposeful black accents on the targa bar, adding a sporty touch to its sleek profile.“We are incredibly proud to be launching this majestic vessel and of what it represents for Maritimo,” said Tom Barry-Cotter, Managing Director of Maritimo. “The S75 is the culmination of over three years of development by the dedicated Maritimo team. The company has invested hundreds of thousands of hours in the planning, development, and pre-production of the S75, collaborating with Maritimo owners intensively throughout the processThe S75 is designed for long-range journeys, and features deep-sided walkaround decks seamlessly integrated into its design, leading to a spacious forward outdoor lounge area with a sun bed and forward-facing lounge.The hull design of the S75 exudes strength and emphasizes its ability to handle long distances comfortably. Large panoramic glass areas in the hull and saloon offer exciting views.Onboard the S75, the expansive adventure deck at the rear impresses with its vastness, providing ample space for various water-based activities and adventures. Sitting just above the waterline, this deck creates a seamless connection with the ocean, offering a perfect space for relaxation, barbecues, and lounging.At the upper-cockpit deck the yacht features an alfresco lounging and dining. Inside the yacht, the saloon welcomes guests with panoramic glazed areas that fill the space with natural light. The lounging and dining options create an inviting atmosphere, enhanced by a 65-inch screen that can be swiveled for viewing from various areas, including the galley and upper cockpit. The yacht accommodates eight guests across four spacious staterooms, including the full beam master suite. The power to weight ratio and cruising capabilities have been perfectly paired with the S75, with the twin Scania 1150 hp DI16 V8 engines. Maritimo is also the first Australian manufacturer to offer an optional Rolls Royce Power Systems MTU, which are available in the twin 1625hp 2000 Series V10 engines. “The global launch of the S75 heralds the start of Maritmo’s 20th Anniversary celebrations,” Barry-Cotter continued. “And what could be more fitting in our 20th year than releasing this grand vessel? The S75 is the epitome of everything that is Maritimo,” concludes Tom Barry-Cotter. Maritimo is Australia’s leading builder of long-range motor yachts, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2023. The company was founded by Australia’s most awarded boat builder, Bill Barry-Cotter OM, who has over 60 years of boat building excellence. Maritimo offers motor yachts in three distinctive ranges: the M-Series Flybridge, the S-Series Sedan, and the new Offshore Series. Credits: Maritimo
May 26, 2023
J. David Weiss of Designova has unveiled a superyacht concept named Soar. With a sleek and curvaceous exterior resembling a bird's beak, and an interior that mimics the intricate structure of avian skeletons, this concept pushes the boundaries of superyacht design by taking cues from nature's own creativity.Weiss, known for his innovative approach to design, found inspiration in the elegance of large birds soaring through the sky. The concept's shiny-black steel hull, developed in collaboration with racing and sailing yacht experts, emulates the pointed structure of a bird's skull. Soar showcases additional nods to nature with its concave upper freeboard, flaring at the top to offer panoramic views of the sea. This design choice maximizes the real estate on the upper main decks while maintaining a narrow waterline beam. Soar's interior design offers flexible layouts tailored to future owners' preferences. The twin pool configuration includes a family-friendly pool deck at the aft and a private owner's pool on the foredeck, designed in a figure-eight shape with a contra-flow system. The open-plan interior features a central looping staircase adorned with natural materials and fabrics. Large entertainment-focused living areas, gallery-like spaces for art displays, and elevated platforms for showcasing collectibles contribute to the yacht's unique and playful ambiance.Soar's innovative features extend beyond its avian-inspired design. The concept is envisioned as a fast cruiser powered by hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion and a hybrid electric cruising system for low-speed navigation. With a projected top speed of 30 knots using a large-scale GE marine turbine, the yacht promises thrilling performance.Weiss's attention to sustainability extends to the onboard tenders and toys, which are all electric. From the custom Voltari performance runabout to the T3mp3st jet skis, every aspect has been carefully considered for eco-conscious cruising. The concept also offers two helipads and the option for a personal electric quadcopter, housed in a custom hangar at the bow.Credits: J. David Weiss
May 26, 2023