Challenge
Due to the ship’s extensive expansion and structural redesign, the shipyard's most pressing requirement was a significant reduction in the weight of the exhaust system. This was a critical necessity, as the REV Ocean project was famously struggling with well-publicised weight and stability challenges across the industry. To overcome this systemic issue, the shipyard made the decision to replace the vessel's original exhaust installation with a far lighter alternative.
Schiedel was the clear choice, as the exceptionally low weight of the Schiedel AM system provided the exact solution needed. Minimizing these top-heavy components was paramount for restoring the vessel's stability and seaworthiness, ensuring a more centered center of gravity. Furthermore, there were stringent demands for superior corrosion resistance, and a third critical challenge was the reduction of vibrations originating from the powerful Wärtsilä main engines.
Solution
Schiedel's expertise was brought in early, offering a crucial solution to the vessel’s key challenges. The shipyard's decision focused on the high-performance, inherently lightweight Schiedel AM system, which provided the unique weight advantage necessary. The system's low weight was fundamental in supporting the ship’s stability requirements and also resulted in significant installation time savings. To address another key structural requirement, the vibration challenge was effectively solved using specially fabricated anchor plates equipped with vibration dampers.
We assisted in the design phase, providing comprehensive services that included cross-section calculations and back-pressure calculations. The chosen system features an inner pipe in 316L (in dimensions 500 and 600 mm) and a 904L outer casing, which offers superior corrosion resistance essential for the maritime environment. To achieve a uniform design, insulation thicknesses of 50 mm and 100 mm were utilized on the systems. Furthermore, a 3D model of the exhaust system was created, allowing Vard's designers to quality-assure the design throughout the process. Prior to delivery, 2D installation drawings with instructions were prepared to guarantee correct final assembly, culminating in Schiedel chimneys crowning the world's largest yacht.
The Customer
REV Ocean is the world’s largest and most advanced research and expedition vessel, measuring 194.9 meters. In fact, it is considered the world's largest yacht, capable of accommodating up to 36 guests in 18 cabins and 54 crew members.
Commissioned with the ambitious goal of making the ocean healthier, the vessel is a state-of-the-art platform dedicated to addressing critical issues such as plastic pollution, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices. Equipped with highly sophisticated laboratories, a submarine hangar, a media studio, and much more, the ship is designed for cutting-edge ocean research.
When it comes to the engines on this ship, they are as impressive as the rest: A total of four Wärtsilä 8L26 engines, each delivering 2,520 electrical kW at 900 rpm. Each engine and generator measures 8.6 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and 3.25 meters in height, with a total weight of 53.8 tons each. The main generators will supply power to the main propulsion engines, which have a SILENT R rating for maximum prevention of underwater acoustic pollution. The REV Ocean is additionally equipped with an extra 3 MW lithium-ion battery pack that can be used to power the propulsion engines for silent operation, for example during biomass sampling on research missions.
