Check out the design for a new, nearly 600-foot yacht ordered by a Norwegian billionaire that will be the largest in the world

Kjell Inge Rkke, the Norwegian billionaire industrialist, has contracted a 181.6-metre (595.8 foot) vessel from Norway-based shipyard, Vard that will be designed by Espen Oeino. Set to be used for environmental research missions in partnership with WWF Norway, the vessel will also be used privately by its owner and will be available for charters.Tailored for research and expedition activities to tackle the ocean's environmental challenges, the Research Expedition Vessel (REV) was designed to cruise in arctic and tropical areas alike. At near 182-meters in length, the REV will also become the largest vessel in the world available for private charters for up to 36 guests.Nearly two meters longer thanAzzam the 180-metre Lurssen currently holding the title of largest yacht in the world, the REV, although technically also used for research and expedition purposes in tandem with WWF, will also potentially become the largest yacht in the world upon its scheduled delivery in 2020."The REV will be a platform for gathering knowledge", commented Kjell Inge Rkke, owner of the REV, "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."Mr Rkke further explained 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 monitor 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.In addition to its explorational purpose, during which the REV could carry 60 scientists and 40 crew, the 181.6-metre yacht is also set to be sometimes used by Rkke and his family as well as other charterers with the possibility to carry as many as 36 guests and a crew of 54, a model that will allow to generate extra funding for research.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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