SeaOrbiter, A Massive, Spaceship-Like Ocean Research Vessel

The SeaOrbiter is a massive, in-development ocean vessel that will be capable of housing exploration and research crews for long periods of time. The spaceship-like vessel, dubbed “the Starship Enterprise of the sea” by Fast Company, is the result of 30 years of research and design by sea architect Jacques Rougerie and his team. The 190-foot structure is designed to outlast storms, and it gathers energy from the sun, waves, and wind for power. There will be space for 22 people when SeaOrbiter launches on its first mission to Monaco, estimated to take place in Spring 2016. The project is currently seeking part of its funding on KissKissBankBank, and construction is scheduled to begin in France in Spring 2014 and finish by the end of 2015.

images and video via SeaOrbiter

via Fast Company