The voyage begins with REV Ocean, the world’s largest yacht, almost 195 m long with a nautical range of about three months. Dedicated to scientific exploration, this giant of the seas will embark young researchers who will share their findings, as from 2026. “It is all about accessibility. Large public ships are hard to obtain, we want to open up the field,” explains the naval architect. Another challenge is Ocean Mapper. The aim was to design the smallest boat capable of carrying a 7.5 m sonar device beneath the hull, then multiply the number of units to cover the oceans more quickly, as 80 % of their depths still await exploration. “Ten agile units are worth more than a single colossus.”

Beyond their performance, superyachts designed by Espen Øino surpass the most palatial hotels. “The on-board experience comes close to 6 or 7 stars. You arrive in a helicopter, someone unpacks your bags, and the team anticipates your desires before you express them.” Ratios are 2 to 3 crew members per guest. To attract and retain these talents who spend months on the sea, plans now include gyms and dedicated areas, occasionally a crew beach club and, increasingly, individual cabins. Connectivity has also been a game-changer: Starlink allows for on-line working and streaming in the middle of the Atlantic, explains Espen Øino. Though mobility offers real magic: dining in Monaco then waking up near an isolated bay in Sicily, reaching places with no access or infrastructure, where this vessel alone invites you to stay, in your own room. “You take your bed to the end of the world.”

The central question remains: how does one capture the essence of a client? “Firstly, through a surgically precise briefing – mission, uses, zones –, then a very fast response with a concept. Many people know more what they do not want than the reverse,” says Espen Øino, applying a good share of psychology to the equation. In short, one needs to aim accurately and early: “A yacht of such magnitude is often the most significant private investment in a lifetime.”

Lines are shifting in terms of sustainability. In the pipeline for 2030, an onboard micro-reactor with zero operational emissions, capable of operating for five years without recharging and equipped to last for 20 years. “Worldwide, shipping accounts for less than 3% of emissions, and yachting is only a tiny fraction of that, though this is no reason not to aim for environmental excellence.” 

From a laboratory-ship that advances science on a large scale to a fleet of sonars to map the oceans, Espen Øino pursues the same goal: that of designing floating dreams that remain in our minds, well after docking.