Featured Image Credit: hegnar.no
By Lindsay Edgar
The ocean is getting a major surprise gift. Kjell Inge Røkke, a Norwegian billionaire, has pledged most of his lifetime earnings to a project designed to clean the seas of plastic. His idea to build a 596-foot research ship that scours the water in search of garbage is revolutionary. Working with the World Wildlife Fund, the Research Expedition Vessel is designed to scoop up and eventually recycle the plastic that is clogging our wonderful oceans. It will also be able to carry about 100 people: 60 scientists and 40 crew members. Armed with a large science team, this boat has the ability to make significant contributions to studying the oceans. And not to mention it is eco-friendly!
How did this extremely successful and wealthy man decide where to invest his earnings? The answer: he used to know the sea like the back of his hand. Røkke grew up as a fisherman, and worked on Alaskan trawlers during his young life. After conducting business in the Seattle area during the 1980’s, he returned to Norway to build his own shipping fleet. Because of his business acumen and knowledge of the oceans, he now owns about 67% of Aker Drilling.
“”I would like to welcome researchers, environmental groups, and other institutions on board, to acquire new skills to evolve innovative solutions to address challenges and opportunities connected to the seas,” he stated. He wants to give back to society what he’s earned. His philanthropic gesture aims to make a dent in the huge amount of plastic that clogs our oceans today. Way to go!