REV Ocean: outfitting the world’s largest yacht at Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen

Since the arrival of the REV Ocean at Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen in March this year, activities at the yard have shifted into top gear. Not even a month later, on 1 April, this new build research and expedition vessel was moved into DSV’s covered drydock for what will be an 18-month transformation. There are currently 350 people working onboard, although including the supporting engineering, planning and logistics teams, the total workforce is closer to 500. Six months into the project, it’s time to catch up with DSV’s Project Manager Wesley de Marco to get a progress report. “We are at the first ‘drinking post’ in this marathon project,” he says.

With a length of 194.9 metres, the REV Ocean is the largest yacht in the world. Norwegian shipbuilders VARD built the vessel at its yards in Romania and Norway. DSV has been contracted by Rosellinis Four-10 to carry out and coordinate the final outfitting of the exterior and interior to a ‘superyacht’ level of quality.

From preparation to progress
Dividing DSV’s scope of work into the two categories of exterior and interior, Wesley explains that the first phase of the project has concentrated on preparing the vessel for the work ahead. “We have sandblasted 99% of the outside of the hull and superstructure – the final areas are being finalised – to get these surfaces ready for the application of 10,000 square metres of filler,” says Wesley. “And in the inside, we have made a number of modifications with regards to the look and feel of the interior; changes towards high-end yachting.” These interior elements include the addition of a grand spiral staircase which will be part of the owner’s accommodation and a beach club hatch on the side of the vessel that will extend the usable leisure space at the waterline.

Work has also started on the outfitting of all the luxury interior spaces. “These contractors are being  managed by the owner’s team – but, in practice, we have an important supporting role: getting things done together,” Wesley adds. The size of the interior spaces is worth a specific mention: they measure a substantial 4,000 square metres. “Just for comparison, the luxury interior of a 70-metre-long super yacht contains approximately 600 square metres.”
The technical and commercial areas, comprising the crew accommodation and the scientific research spaces, were completed before the vessel arrived in Vlissingen-Oost.

Coordinating the workforce
The sheer scale of the REV Ocean project requires extraordinary planning. A team of planners and project managers coordinate detailed schedules, focusing on preventing clashes and ensuring steady progress. Logistics play a big role, too. With so many people onsite, everything from security and parking to break facilities and lunch schedules needs careful organisation. Split shifts between the interior and exterior teams, for example, help reduce bottlenecks during break times. In addition, DSV has created a so-called ‘subcontractor park’ consisting of office spaces, canteens, and toilets: this helps manage the large flow of subcontracted personnel.

Looking ahead to a unique project
With the project progressing so far both on schedule and on budget, DSV remains on track to undock the REV Ocean in Q4 2026. An important aspect of the yard’s working method is that DSV is “outfitting this new-build superyacht with a refit minded approach”, Wesley says. “Meaning that we can react quickly to any changes, solving ad hoc items on the spot.”

On a personal note, what is it like to be the project manager of this huge project? “It’s an extraordinary vessel. We’ve stepped onto a rolling train, and our goal is to stay on top of it,” Wesley answers. “I’m very proud to be part of this challenging but enjoyable project. What’s more, the cooperation we have with the client’s team is really good. We all have the same goal: a beautiful yacht at the end of the project.”