Less than 2 years ago, Arksen unveiled their innovative vision for a new wave of sustainable marine adventure. The project has rapidly gained momentum and now the first Explorer Vessel has gone into production in the UK.
The Arksen 85 “Project Ocean”, model is the ‘flagship’ of the Arksen Explorer Series.
Arksen design and build boats with the ability to travel to less frequented surroundings. Combining performance and functionality, the vessels are built to be robust, reliable and efficient.
Project Ocean will have 4 cabins accommodating up to 12 explorers, including a full-beam master suite with a multi-purpose library/study/media room/children’s cabin. She has an efficient cruising speed of 9-11 knots, a top speed of 14 knots and a maximum range of up to 7,000nm.
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% 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.
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.
COO, Jo Daly 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.”
Article continues below this advertisement “We have been working alongside Arksen to develop a vessel built to the highest of standards that will become a model for the 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 efficient design, sustainable technologies and long-range capabilities of the Arksen fleet are more important than ever today. We think it’s very exciting, the right product at the right time.”
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The Arksen 85’s hull and superstructure are built-in aluminum, 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 multi-award-winning 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 is 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.
Arksen was founded by Technology Entrepreneur, Jasper Smith who says:
“We have been working closely with all our partners to design and build a vessel to be the best in class in efficiency and fuel economy and have gained a comprehensive understanding on the procurement process and supply chain for all the components that we will use throughout.
“To have the first Arksen 85 vessel in production is a big milestone in our journey and we look forward to having our first boat on the water in the near future.”
For more information www.arksen.com
SHIPYWARD?
Well done Wight Shipyard