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Yacht or Not? Most Unconventional In-Build 'Superyacht' Projects
Over the last couple of years the superyacht industry has experienced a definitive shift in the way owners and charter guests seek to enjoy their vessels. Along with the rise of explorer yachting have come new, perhaps more radical trends: shared ownership structures, philanthropic superyacht builds, and even the birth of the ‘superyacht liner’. As the year draws to a close, we take a look at three of the most unconventional ‘superyacht’ projects in-build at the moment.
Originally anticipated for delivery this year, this 183m research and expedition vessel made headlines a few months ago as REV Ocean announced a delay of between 3 - 5 years on delivery. Built by Norwegian businessman and philanthropist Kjell Inge Røkke, REV is designed to undertake a series of philanthropic ocean research expeditions once underway, and will invite decision-makers to participate in high-level meetings onboard to advance ocean conservation policy. For more information on the ambitious post-delivery plans for this game-changing vessel, check out our exclusive interview with REV Ocean CEO Nina Jensen.
- SOMNIO
Perhaps one of the most widely-discussed topics in superyachting this year has been the rise of the ‘superyacht liner’. At 222m and featuring designs by industry greats Winch Design and Tillberg Design of Sweden, it is not difficult to see why SOMNIO’s announcement has garnered so much attention this year. On track for delivery in 2022, SOMNIO allows owners to enjoy the luxury and amenities of a superyacht with some shared living spaces and limited selection of other onboard residences. 39 apartments of varying sizes and layouts have all been spoken for on this behemoth project, highlights of which include a 10,000 bottle wine-cellar, fine-dining restaurants and bars, and a beach club with an impressive array of water sports facilities.
- NJORD
Born of a similar trend to 222m SOMNIO, 282m NJORD is the world’s largest private resident yacht, also in build for 2024. In construction at DIV Shipbuilding Group, Superyachts.com spoke with exterior designer Espen Oeino last year about what the project symbolised for changing ownership structures. Marrying the luxury of superyacht living with the community feel of a cruise liner, NJORD will accommodate some 118 private residences ‘with the facilities of a really big superyacht’. ‘As you can see with cars, many people are less inclined to buy their own and instead use other services without the hassle of ownership,’ Espen explained.
"As you can see with cars, many people are less inclined to buy their own..."
"As you can see with cars, many people are less inclined to buy their own..."
Espen Oeino, Designer