UK hospitality management company the Smart Group has taken delivery of a new electric-powered events vessel for operation on the River Thames in London.
Oceandiva London was designed by Amsterdam-based events management company Oceandiva and constructed at the Werkendam facilities of Dutch shipbuilder the Veka Group. Measuring 86 by 17 metres and spanning three decks, the vessel boasts indoor and outdoor onboard areas to accommodate a range of events, which can be held whether the vessel is underway or static. The vessel's 2,625 square metres of total interior floor area is capable of hosting conferences, exhibitions, receptions, gala dinners, award ceremonies, product launches, and brand activations for up to 1,000 people.
The Smart Group promotes Oceandiva London as capable of offering a carbon-neutral floating events venue with the city of London serving as a suitable backdrop. Technologies aimed at reducing the vessel's environmental impact include two EST-Floattech 1.1MWh lithium battery packs to supply the propulsive power, a PureBlue sewage treatment plant for recycling wastewater, a heat recovery system, a highly-efficient HVAC system, and a UV system for filtering outside air so that there is no air recirculation on board.
The batteries are capable of fast charging via shore connection – with the aid of jetty infrastructure to be supplied by Net Zero Marine Services – while a biofuel generator and solar panels are also fitted to serve as backup sources of electrical power.
The vessel was also designed to accommodate a complete creative technical production service for all types of events, from design and visuals through to lighting, sound, video, set design and build, rigging, and power installation. This service will be provided by audio-visual technical support specialist Encore.
Oceandiva London is presently undergoing a final series of tests and regulatory compliance steps. Operational sailings are scheduled to begin within the year.
| Oceandiva London | |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Type of vessel: | Events vessel |
| Flag: | UK |
| Owner: | Smart Group, UK |
| Designer: | Oceandiva, Netherlands |
| Builder: | Veka Group, Netherlands |
| Length overall: | 86 metres |
| Beam: | 17 metres |
| Batteries: | 2 x EST-Floattech, each 1.1 MWh |
| Other equipment installed: | PureBlue sewage treatment plant; heat recovery system; HVAC; UV air filtration system; solar panels |
| Passengers: | 1,000 |
| Operational area: | London, UK |