The Arksen 85 is billed as the ultimate Explorer Yacht. Engineered with rugged capabilities, it can travel to places few other vessels of its kind can go and it does so in style, with an interior fit-out that maximises space and blends sumptuous luxury with practicality. 

That is the core of the 85, but there is far more detail to the design of the vessel than that – so here are 10 facts you might not know about this very special vessel.

Commercially certified

Certified for the highest rugged use cases, the Arksen 85 operates beyond the capabilities of almost any vessel in its class. It is built to meet the unrestricted Category 0 standards of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s MGN280(m) Code – which are normally specified only for vessels that are put to heavy commercial use, such as workboats and pilot boats.

180-degree stability

Comfort in the heaviest of seas is managed actively with options for fin stabilisers and/or gyro stabilisers. At anchor, those looking for silent, zero-power stabilisation can deploy the flopper stoppers. The boat has immense stability from a safety perspective, and in extreme circumstances the vessel is capable of providing 180 degrees of positive stability.

Built upside down

When the boat initially takes its shape, it is built upside down. This allows for the most efficient build process, with welders able to work in more comfortable and accessible positions to weld the structure and fit all the hull plates in place. Once this process is complete, the vessel is turned 180 degrees for the completion of the build.

Onboard 'beach'

The Arksen 85 has an option to have its own onboard ‘beach’ thanks to a large, bottom-hinged, hydraulic lazarette door, which can be folded out to form a large deck area. Sand is optional. The extended bathing platform also provides easy access to the water for boarding the tender, using toys stowed in the lazarette or deploying scientific equipment.

Already recycled

An incredible 70% of the aluminium that is used to create the vessel’s structure and hull has actually been used before. The use of the metal already makes this vessel more sustainable than GRP equivalents, but the recycled approach means that just 30% of the material used comes from new resources. The company’s circular design approach also ensures that all this aluminium already has its future use planned out at the end of the boat’s operational life.

Zero emissions

Silent running with zero emissions is possible thanks to the solar array and optional hybrid propulsion system. A generator provides power to electric engines – a more efficient drive system than diesel engines – and any excess is used to charge batteries, which can then be used for short periods to enable fully silent electric operation for arrival and departure movements, hotel loads and running in remote protected areas.

Efficient fuel use

The vessel has a hyper-efficient Low Displacement Length (LDL) hull form which is hydrodynamically designed to cut through the water in the most efficient manner at the most typical cruising speeds. As a result, with intelligent helming and optimal running, this huge vessel can minimise its fuel usage to just 25 litres per hour of consumption at 9 knots.

Sea bed protection

The ocean floor is one of the most crucial ecosystems on the planet when it comes to climate change – as showcased in the film Oceans with David Attenborough, co-produced by Arksen and its charity 10% for the Ocean. To protect that vital habitat, the Arksen 85 is equipped with a virtual anchor – which uses batteries to run electric thrusters that maintain position in protected areas. 

Build your own zone

In an industry often marked by uniformity, Arksen has taken a different approach by creating a range of different social spaces with the scope to turn them into their own zonal areas – including Nordic, Boutique or bespoke themes. This creates a unique ambiance in each location, inspired by premium finishes and contemporary accents in high-end London hotels.

Ocean Pledge

Supporting ocean conservation is one of the main reasons Arksen exists – and that deep commitment is embodied in the company’s unique Sea Time Pledge. This allows owners to pledge a portion of the vessel’s annual sea time to marine research, participating in projects with expert scientists whilst onboard or allowing researchers to join crew-only transits and use those journeys for scientific benefit.