Building a yacht is not a quick endeavor, but it is certainly a fascinating one. Do you think why rich people sell their creations? The threat of bankruptcy? Found a more luxurious yacht? Not at all.
The thing is that the very process of creating a yacht is extremely captivating. To take part in the project, control every stage of it, argue with designers and watch as a dream emerges from nothing — for some people there really is nothing better. Well, then, after taking a couple of cruises, a person realizes that their dream has actually come to an end, because it has already come true! They sell the yacht and the cycle starts all over again.
But why not create a product that would benefit all of humanity? After all, we care so little for our Earth that we have already begun to feel the consequences of our thoughtless actions. You could create such a yacht that would be a floating station, it could conduct research and help find solutions to the problems that we have created for ourselves. And such a yacht already exists!
REV Ocean is the world’s largest yacht as of 2020. Its cost is $450 million. The owner is Kjell Inge Røkke, a Norwegian billionaire who decided to spend 50% of his fortune on charity. He created the nonprofit foundation “REV Ocean” and named his expedition mega-yacht after it.
Røkke explained his desire to dedicate the yacht to charity this way: “The ocean has given me great opportunities. Now it’s my turn to give something back to it.”
It is also worth noting the purpose of this vessel. It is to fill critical scientific gaps, develop innovative solutions and connect the sectors of science, business and politics to achieve positive changes in the world’s oceans.
Technical specifications of REV Ocean — the world’s largest yacht
The length of this mega-yacht is 182.9 meters (by this measure REV Ocean surpassed the Azzam yacht). Gross tonnage — 17,440 tons (and by this measure the well-known mega-yacht Dilbar of Alisher Usmanov).
REV Ocean is a unique yacht, unlike any other. It will address the problems of the world’s oceans.
The shipyard VARD from Romania is the manufacturer. The onboard equipment includes scientific trawlers, sonar systems, laboratories, auditoriums and classrooms. There is also a moon pool, an autonomous underwater vehicle and submarines on board. As well as a remotely operated underwater vehicle with a diving depth of up to 6,000 meters and modern communication equipment. The vessel’s capacity is 35 crew members and 55 scientists.
Launch of the REV Ocean yacht
The first launch took place in September 2019, but this did not mean the vessel was fully ready for its research mission. Equipment installation is currently underway in Norway and should be completed in 2021.
The world’s largest yacht will be available for charter voyages, as guest cabins on it will be properly equipped. All money from charter passengers will go to the nonprofit foundation for further research. The yacht’s owner also plans to occasionally relax on REV Ocean with his family and, just like everyone else, will pay for this.
By the way, REV Ocean is also in the TOP-10 most expensive yachts in the world, which you can learn more about by clicking the link.
Video: the world’s largest yacht REV Ocean