| VARD | 194M ex 182M | REV - Research Expedition Vessel | 2024 |

The main difference I see in the picture on Post #19 is the leading edge of the forward appendage comes to a sharp-edged point as opposed to a radius shape normally seen on bulbous bows. So it offers less buoyancy, lless volume but gives a finer entry to split seas as they encounter them. May also be a consideration for Ice operation.

But man, that picture of Hull and Forward Appendage is impressive as hell!

Both?

Here's a link from Vard, the engineering firm behind the design:

https://maritime-executive.com/corporate/vard-secures-contract-for-research-expedition-vessel

Since it is a research vessel, it appears they have pushed on environmental and quite operation design goal:

"Environmental performance has been crucial throughout the concept- and development phase. The VARD 6 16 design is developed for navigating waters in the most challenging and vulnerable environments, from arctic to tropical areas. To secure the most cost efficient, silent, comfortable and environmentally friendly expeditions in all weather conditions, the vessel is designed with slim hull lines in combination with wave-cutting bulb, slender foreship, large propellers and two pairs of stabilization fins. Other key features are the energy recovery rudder system, medium speed engines, a direct drive diesel-electric propulsion system with battery package, and an exhaust cleaning system."

Still debatably smaller by volume. Will be interested in seeing if she will be classed as a mega yacht or fall under the RV side and take her off the listings of the largest. Fulk Al Salamah is still largest by volume but seems that many don’t consider her to be a yacht.

More on the boat, and the mission:

https://www.revocean.org/

He Ralph, that is a Norwegian Project. This bow sprit is for mounting a whale hunting harpoon gun. But only for scientific reasons of course .


Nice project by the way and one way to make profit with Your yacht or have the tax payer help financing private yachting. For me a large yacht project from the same category like the two Kleven yachts.

Must be interesting what classification this giant will have. The little trick calling scientists ACMs (additional crew members) could make them stay within the LYC limit of the 36 Px.

I like that design, I must say but not those complicated work around procedures with operating such yachts. I rather like the straight forward operating methods of the deceased Paul Allen with his Yacht Octopus. He donated all scientific use of his boat out of his deep pockets, period.

"Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto God that which is God's".

Just my 2 (Euro) cents

Looks like it is funded by the wealthy owner:

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/t...built-to-help-the-ocean-2019-08-28?siteid=rss

That is exactly what I ment Norseman, that is the trick .

Aha, there is a trick to funding a boat and operate it as a non-profit, no taxes?

Yes, that is the trick, especially in those high income tax scandinavian countries. But that will not work with all countries / flag states. In my country, non-profit das not mean, just to make only so much profit that after all deductions are placed, there is no profit left. The rules for charitable non-profit projects (foundations) are pretty strict around here.

But a large boat (yacht ?) that can be exclusivly chartered for 1 million per week or more is IMHO hardly a charity foundation. Just remember what happened to the famous Mr. Flavio Briatore with his charter and tax avoidance setup on his yacht.

Ha, that is where I am at with my charter business, no profit left, and there never was. Good for tax deductions though, the IRS feels and let me deduct it all.

I was worried about you Mr. HTM09 after the heli crash in Mallorca, the news
Said a German Citizen was involved, looks like it was not your turn..

No it was an italian commercial helicopter pilot and a German Charter Helicopter with a 43 year old German business man with his family (wife and two young children) from Munich on a sightsseeing charter flight, celebrating his birthday. The company undertakes these charter flights from Son Bonnet airfield, the old Palma town airport. The two spanish microlite crewmembers involved in the mid air collision were from the spanish main land. Very sad accident. The authorities have no clue yet about the course of the accident. None of the aircraft had a crash recorder of course.

This sight seeing tour along the Tramontana mountains is very popular in Mallorca. The problem is, that the VFR traffic has to fly pretty low because they have to cross under the LEPA international final approach. During summer the airline traffic comes in at 90 sec intervall.

Norseman, I will only burn down in flames in about 34 years (btw. my hundreds birthday!) but definately not in a helicopter, promised.