World's most advanced research and expedition vessel, REV Ocean sets world record

December 9, 2025

Tulcea Shipyard, Romania--The REV Ocean, a research and expedition vessel (REV) and super yacht built by VARD shipyards in Tulcea, Romania, fitted out at other VARD shipyards in Norway and Germany, is 183 meters (600 ft) in length and at 17,440 gross tons, setting the new world record for the World's most advanced research and expedition vessel, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

Photos: Facebook/REV Ocean

"The world's most advanced research and expedition vessel is widely considered to be REV Ocean, a massive, privately funded superyacht designed for cutting-edge ocean science and conservation, boasting unique labs, two helicopters, submersibles, a Polar Class 6 rating, and a revolutionary live fish capture system, aiming to address ocean pollution and climate change.

"Other highly advanced vessels include OceanXplorer, known for its media integration and technology, and the Norwegian vessel G.O. Sars, utilized for deep-sea research." (AI Overview)

REV Ocean (Rosellinis Four-10's Research Expedition Vessel)

Purpose: To find solutions for saving marine life, combatting plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
Key Features:
Length: Nearly 195 meters (639 feet).
Capacity: Accommodates 36 crew and 54 scientists.
Technology: State-of-the-art labs, advanced sonar, two helipads, a helicopter, and two submersibles.
Sampling: A unique system to capture live fish for study at great depths.
Environment: Polar Class 6 for Arctic/Antarctic exploration.
Status: Under construction/fitting out, expected completion around 2026/2027.

REV Ocean is the flagship of Norwegian billionaire businessman Kjell Inge Røkke's REV Ocean initiative. In an interview with the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, Røkke said he planned to give away most of his fortune. As a further step in this plan he joined the Giving Pledge in 2017, and founded the REV Ocean initiative.

She is purpose built for scientific charter and environmental research missions. Her TIER III hybrid propulsion allows a full-electric mode at eleven knots when the yacht collects samples. Her total operating range is 21,000 nautical miles

"Led by former WWF Norway CEO Nina Jensen, REV Ocean is working to improve understanding of the ocean and foster concrete solutions through three initiatives: the world's largest research and expedition vessel (REV), the World Ocean Headquarters and an open, global data platform.

Advanced oceanography equipment will be fitted on board, allowing Rosellinis Four-10 to survey marine areas, currents, the seabed, fish, animals and plant life. When complete REV will be 2.3 meters longer than Azzam, the world’s largest super-yacht.

Other key on-board features include a multi functional cargo deck and storage for an autonomous submersible, as well as laboratories and an auditorium. Accommodation is for 36 guests and 54 crew members, while the maximum beam is 22 meters.

General characteristics:

Type: Super yacht

Tonnage: 17,440 GT

Length: 183 m (600 ft)

Beam: 22 m (72 ft)

Draft: 5.25 m (17.2 ft)

Ice class: Polar Class 6

Installed power: 4 × Wärtsilä 8L26 (4 × 2.7 MW (3,600 hp))

Speed: 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph), with 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph) maximum

Range: 21,120 nmi (39,110 km; 24,300 mi)

Boats & landing craft carried: 2 trawlers, 1 submersible.

Complement: 90 (crew, scientists and guests)

Crew: 30

Aviation facilities: 2 helipads, ACH145 Airbus Corporate helicopter.

"Vard Tulcea yard in Romania is situated in the town of Tulcea some 40 nautical miles from the Black Sea on the banks of the Danube. The ship yard has been part of VARD since 2000 and specialize in hull manufacturing and early outfitting of vessels. With a rich shipbuilding history going back several decades, Vard Tulcea also have the required expertise to deliver fully outfitted vessels," the VARD official website says.

Highlights
Modern shipbuilding facilities with excellent logistics.
Large warehouse areas and automated warehouse management
Integrated Management System for Quality, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety.
Motivated personnel working to the newest and most efficient shipbuilding practices.

"REV Ocean is a privately funded research and expedition vessel (REV) under construction by VARD shipyards. Some sources describe her as a yacht, but unlike a yacht, her main purpose is not recreation or sports. She is 194.9 meters (639 ft) in length and her gross tonnage is 19,235.

"The hull was built and equipped with the diesel-electric propulsion system in Tulcea, Romania, and initially launched on 24 August 2019. She was then towed to Brattvåg, Norway to be fitted out with more technology. However, the ship was moved to Fosen Yard near Trondheim and fitted with a 12 meter midsection for a final length of 195 m.

"REV Ocean is the flagship of Norwegian billionaire businessman Kjell Inge Røkke's REV Ocean initiative. In an interview with the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten (published 1 May 2017. Røkke said he planned to give away most of his fortune. As a further step in this plan he joined the Giving Pledge in 2017, and founded the REV Ocean initiative." (Wikipedia)