Kjell Inge Røkke, a Norwegian billionaire thought to be one of the richest men in his country, is investing “the lion’s share” of his $2.7 billion fortune in building a game-changing mega yacht.
The Research Expedition Vessel (REV) is a 600-foot vessel that will maneuver the ocean’s waters sucking up plastic waste. Capable of accumulating and recycling up to 5 tons of plastic per day, the REV will also double as a mobile laboratory for sciences to monitor and observe the ocean’s ecosystems.
Since the ship was built in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, the REV has been designed to have the highest environmental standards. Once complete, it will be deemed the world’s largest yacht.
The REV will also be self-sustainable in terms of funding – the facilities can be reserved for private charters, accommodating up to 36 guests and 54 crew members. On a more daily basis, however, the ship will be playing host to 60 scientists and 40 crew members.
The scientists on board will have some of the most hi-tech research equipment available to them in order to properly observe the seas. Røkke hopes that the team will be able to utilize these facilities to discover new ways in assisting and nourishing the ocean’s struggling ecosystems.
“I am a fisherman, and curious by nature,” says Røkke. “Resources in the oceans and on the seabed have provided significant value for society – and also for my family and myself. For this, I am very grateful.”
“However, the oceans are also under greater pressure than ever before from overfishing, coastal pollution, habitat destruction, climate change and ocean acidification, and one of the most pressing challenges of all, plasticization of the ocean. The need for knowledge and solutions is pressing.”
