Arksen, a technology and innovation company building the most authentic, capable and efficient explorer vessels of their kind, officially launched their new project in Düsseldorf today (Saturday).
Arksen is the brainchild of tech entrepreneur and investor Jasper Smith, who brings knowledge from a career spanning 30 years in the games and tech industry. Smith has recognised the opportunity within the marine sector and, with the creation of Arksen, is looking to provide a positive impact through technology, research, exploration and adventure.
Behind Arksen is an exceptional team from across the marine, aviation and technology sectors, as well as a number of world-class, Hampshire-based partners including: Humphreys Yacht Design (Lymington), Design Unlimited (Fareham) and Waterline Media (Hamble).
As previously reported by Island Echo, it has been confirmed that Wight Shipyard Co in East Cowes have been appointed to develop the fleet of Arksen vessels.
Smith has today said:
“We set out to create a great company; one that could have a profound impact on the lives of the owners of our vessels and that could actively contribute to a better understanding of the oceans. By building offshore vessels that are designed to withstand the harshest ocean conditions and that incorporate autonomy, hybrid propulsion and ‘always on’ critical systems monitoring, we are at the forefront of a revolution, pioneering technologies that will become the foundation of the future marine industry.”
Last month Peter Morton, Chief Executive of Wight Shipyard Co., said:
“We share similar values with Arksen, wanting to do business differently, so are delighted that we will build these forward-thinking explorer vessels with them. We expect Arksen to be a great boost for the Isle of Wight and will add to the £50 million impact we have already had on the UK balance of trade.”
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Arksen comprises 3 key elements that make up the essence of the brand; the Arksen Series (Arksen 70, Arksen 85 and Arksen 100), the Arksen Foundation and the Arksen Explorers’ Club.
Designed for explorers and made for adventure, Arksen vessels have been designed to meet the requirements for true explorer vessels in the 20 to 30m range, and that can be manned by minimal crew. All interior layouts are easily reconfigured so they can be used for leisure, research and commercial purposes. Through the infusion of the latest technologies and ownership models, Arksen have created a series of platforms that will inspire the next generation of explorers to embark on their dream adventures.
Arksen have set out to not only create the world’s best explorer vessels for ocean adventure but also to allow owners to use their vessels to the full, creating curated expeditions around the world through the ‘Explorers’ Club’, and the research and conservation projects that Arksen support through the ‘Arksen Foundation’.
The Arksen Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, has been set up to provide project funding, facilitate cutting-edge scientific research and create innovative media to inspire a greater understanding of the beauty, complexity and fragility of the ocean ecosystem and its interfaces with the land around it. All Arksen owners join the Foundation and pledge to donate 10% of their vessels’ annual sea time to projects that the Foundation collectively supports; allowing scientists, explorers, thought leaders, filmmakers, journalists, photographers, artists and athletes access to a fleet of vessels from which to run their projects and realise their ideas.
As a statement of intent and a sign of Arksen’s commitment to the environment, Arksen have signed up to ‘1% for the Planet’, an international organisation whose members commit to donating the equivalent of 1% of annual sales to support environmental causes.
Smith concluded:
“Ultimately, Arksen is about delivering the very best machines for ocean adventure that money can buy, supporting them and giving our community of owners, scientists and conservationists the confidence to use our vessels to their full potential. Our collective futures will depend on our ability to understand, protect and save our oceans for future generations, and I know that sailors who are inspired to own an Arksen vessel will embrace our ethics and approach. Owning an Arksen vessel is not a status symbol. It is a statement of intent.”
