Explorer vessel Project Ocean in build in the UK

Less than two years ago, Arksen unveiled their innovative vision for a new wave of sustainable marine adventure. The project has rapidly gained momentum and now their first Explorer Vessel, the Arksen 85 “Project Ocean”, has gone into production in the UK. The 85 model is the ‘flagship’ of the Arksen Explorer Series which also includes the 60 and 75, with larger models in the pipeline. 

Project Ocean will have four cabins accommodating up to 12 explorers including a full beam master suite with multi-purpose library / study / media room / children’s cabin. She has an efficient cruising speed of 9-11 knots, top speed of 14 knots and a maximum range of up to 7,000nm. “Project Ocean” has a full hybrid propulsion package and energy management system supplied by Praxis Automation. Solar capacity onboard offers up to 7kW of zero-carbon electrical power. Onboard heating and ventilation systems use thermal reclaim for improved efficiency. 

The Arksen 85 is designed to offer stability in excess of MCA requirements for unlimited operation, with 180 degrees of positive stability in cruising trim. All Arksen vessels are designed with marine research in mind. Through the Arksen Foundation, owners are invited to pledge 10 percent of their vessels’ sea time to ocean-exploration projects, allowing scientists and researchers access to the oceans to seek a better understanding of the marine ecosystem.

Partnerships with UK South Coast businesses are helping to bring the project to life. World-renowned naval architecture and yacht design studio, Humphreys Yacht Design have delivered the exterior design and naval architecture whilst working closely with Chartwell Marine who provided a complete structural engineering service to meet the high levels of additional robustness and efficiency required for a serious long-range explorer vessel. The first 85 started build earlier this month at Isle of Wight based Wight Shipyard Company, who have a wealth of knowledge spanning commercial, defense and superyacht projects. 

Jo Daly, COO, commented:

“Wight Shipyard Co has built a reputation for light-weight fuel-efficient vessels to reduce both costs for our customers and lower their carbon footprint. We have been working alongside Arksen to develop a vessel built to the highest of standards that will become a model for the future.”

Circular economy principles have been adopted throughout; from designing out waste and keeping materials in use to minimising carbon footprint and resource efficiency. It’s an approach Arksen and their partners believe, more than ever, is an essential approach in working towards a sustainable marine future. Tom Humphreys, Co-Director of Humphreys Yacht Design, said:

“Arksen’s dedication to researching and understanding our impact on the environment will be invaluable in helping to re-shape the development of leisure-vessel production in the motor yacht sector.”

The Arksen 85’s hull and superstructure are built in aluminium, which contains recycled material and can again be recycled at the end of the vessel’s life. The hull design is highly efficient, leading to reduced fuel consumption which equates to lower running costs and lower emissions. 
The interior is created by Design Unlimited and will use a wide range of sustainable materials including many from recycled sources. Even the soft furnishings include fabrics created using recycled plastic bottles.

Mark Tucker, Creative Director of Design Unlimited, said:

“The Design Unlimited studio have created an interior that is dynamic, functional, attractive and sustainable in both the materials used and in its on-going functionality and versatility of use.” 

The team are expecting an 18-month build schedule, with sea trials planned for spring 2022. A large portion of the “Project Ocean” sea time will be donated to the Arksen Foundation.