182m Research Expedition Vessel designed by Espen Oeino in build

Built by Vard shipyards

Shipbuilder Vard, a company part of the Ficantieri Group, has announced that will design and build a Research Expedition Vessel (REV).

The ship is designed by Espen Oeino and it's owned by Norwegian industrialist Kjell Inge Røkke, reports SuperYachtTimes.com.

The construction will take place in stages, with the hull built at Vard's Tulcea Shipyard in Romania. Outfitting will take place in Brattvaag in Norway. Delivery is due in 2020.

The vessel will be used for environmental research missions in partnership with WWF Norway. She will be able to cruise in arctic and tropical areas. The vessel will also be available for charter and will accommodate 36 guests onboard.

"The REV will be a platform for gathering knowledge", commented Kjell Inge Røkke, 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."

Maximum speed for the REV will be 17 knots. A maximum range of 21,120 nautical miles will be reached when cruising at 11 knots.