WATCH | R18 billion research gigayacht concept can almost circle the globe on one tank of gas

The 215-meter vessel G-Quest lets seafarers oversee philanthropic endeavours while living it up in luxury.

Designed by Steve Kozloff, G-Quest has been designed to further advance oceanographic research and deliver humanitarian aid. Kozloff envisions the explorer will run off futuristic fuels like hydrogen or biodiesel and will use battery technologies.

The designer says the yacht could have a range of more than 20,000 nautical miles. Medical services are envisioned to feature on board, including an MRI and X-ray facility, an ophthalmology department, a dentist suite, over 20 hospital beds, and an operating room for any emergencies on the ship.

For the researchers, there is a fully equipped oceanographic laboratory and an impressive fleet of exploration vessels. To top it off, there is an aircraft hangar for two Sikorsky S-92 helicopters, a garage for two SUVs and a dive centre with a decompression chamber.

The upper three decks are reserved for the owner and their guests, while the rest is earmarked for doctors, scientists and researchers.

Kozloff says the estimated cost of the yacht is over R18 billion.