A new era in superyachts and charter: 183m expedition yacht REV Ocean leads by example
YachtCharterFleet
When the YachtCharterFleet team was invited for a tour of 183m/ 600ft in-construction superyacht REV Ocean at VARD shipyard in Brattvag, Norway, we got an exclusive insight into the mindset of an owner committed to changing
First unveiled in 2017, REV Ocean marks a major milestone that's turning the concept of yachting -and chartering- on its head.
The record-breaking superyacht will be an environmentally-friendly research vessel equipped with cutting-edge oceanographic and hydrographic facilities never before seen on a yacht, allowing her to complete pioneering research missions across the globe.
She will also operate under a never-before-seen charter arrangement whereby individuals will charter REV Ocean alongside teams of researchers to offer an experience unmatched by any other yacht in the charter fleet.
This format allows charter revenue to fund the research missions, giving charter guests the chance to play a direct role in innovative oceanographic research.
But aside from this, YachtCharterFleet discovered something else on our tour of REV Ocean; what really makes this yacht is so fascinating is her owner's mission.
Charter guests are the ones funding the expeditions, allowing them to play a direct role in groundbreaking oceanographic research.
REV Ocean is not intended to be a one-off project; instead, it’s hoped she will be a catalyst for change.
The owner of REV Ocean and the team of people behind the project are hoping that she will mark a new era in superyachting. One where groundbreaking environmental research goes hand in hand with the luxury lifestyle and six-star service of superyachts.
Lawrence Hislop, Communications Manager at REV Ocean sheds some light on the motive behind the vessel during our tour. “What we are hoping is that [REV Ocean] can provide inspiration for other wealthy people around the world to reconsider how they're spending their money to some extent.” He tells us.
“If we do a good job and we start to save the oceans, [..] we really hope that others get inspired by that and want to do the same.”
It's this that encapsulates the revolutionary nature of REV Ocean.
It's not her record-breaking size, her incredible explorer capacities or her groundbreaking research facilities- but the ethos and vision of her owner and team that sets her apart.
This, combined with the team's vision for yachts with a similar
If we do a good job and we start to save the oceans, [..] we really hope that others get inspired by that and want to do the same.
First unveiled in 2017, REV Ocean still has a long way to go before she sees delivery and is crowned with the 'World's Largest Yacht' title. But though she may still be a shell, REV Ocean has captivated the attention of the yachting industry since her inception.
Eager to get more insight into her unique charter angle, YachtCharterFleet jumped at the chance to head to VARD's Brattvag facilities for a closer look at REV Ocean.
It's this that encapsulates the revolutionary nature of REV Ocean. It's not her record-breaking size, her incredible explorer capacities or her groundbreaking research facilities- but the ethos and vision of her owner and team that sets her apart.
The concept of chartering a yacht along with a team of researchers is a novelty in the superyacht sector; but it’s one that is sure to prove popular among specific clientele.
When asked what type of charter client REV Ocean hopes to attract, Hislop tells us; “We’re hoping [for] the types who have a really strong interest in the environment, but we may have some that are very curious, and just want to see what’s happening.
“We want to inspire people to make a difference in their lives and have that filter out to the rest of the world so we really want to create special experiences for the people on board.” He continues.
“The more [charter guests] can see things, the more they can interact with the scientists, I think the better experience they can have.”
The cost of chartering REV Ocean will subsidize the cost of research missions, meaning that scientists and research teams can charter REV Ocean for free.
“The main point of having this vessel is to go out and do scientific research work. And the business model is to get people to [charter REV Ocean] and follow the research work and going to beautiful parts of the world. And so the scientists won’t have to pay anything, they’ll get free access to the boat provided we’re able to fill it up with [charterers] along the route.” Says Hislop.
Teams of scientists and researchers will pitch their proposed missions on board REV Ocean, and will be hand-picked by an advisory committee. But the REV Ocean team are keen to open up the opportunity across the globe.
“The idea is to get developing countries interested in the research work as well, [giving] opportunities to scientists in Africa, Asia, Latin America, who normally wouldn’t be able to [conduct research] on a yacht like this.” Hislop explains.
The more [charter guests] can see things, the more they can interact with the scientists, I think the better experience they can have.
To maximise the number of charters, Hislop tells us the REV Ocean team want to be as flexible as possible. “Basically we want to fill up the boat with as many people as possible on every single mission every time it goes out.” He says.
“And if there’s an opportunity to do cabin by cabin in some cases, or rent it out entirely in some cases, we’ll maybe do a hybrid, a mix of both.”
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