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Kiel Inge Røkke is one of Norway’s richest men, with an estimated net worth of $8 billion. He is a billionaire who didn’t finish high school. He began working as a fisherman at the age of 18 and gradually built one of the world’s leading fishing companies. Røkke’s fortune was made at sea. Now, he wants to return to the sea by building a ship that will collect up to 5 tons of plastic from the ocean every day.
In an interview with the Oslo newspaper Aftenposen, Røkke spoke about the yacht and his motivation for building it: “The sea has given me great opportunities. I am grateful for that. I want to give back to society most of what I have earned. This ship is part of that. The idea for such a ship evolved over the years, but the plans came to fruition last year.”
Upon completion in 2020, the REV (Research Expedition Vessel) will be the world’s largest yacht. It will be operated independently by the world’s largest conservation organization, WWF, and will be able to accommodate 60 researchers and 30 staff.
The ship will carry equipment capable of observing the environment both in the oceans (up to 6,000 meters deep) and in the atmosphere. It will also be able to safely collect and melt up to 5 tons of plastic per day.
Nina Jensen, WWF Secretary General, said she was enthusiastic about the cooperation.
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