EcoWatch by Lorraine Chow – Norwegian businessman Kjell Inge Røkke is not someone usually admired for environmental stewardship. Described by Forbes as a “ruthless corporate raider,” Røkke made his fortune as the majority stakeholder in shipping and offshore drilling conglomerate, Aker.
The twist to this story? Røkke has decided to give “the lion’s share” of his estimated net worth towards building a 596-foot marine research vessel, the Research Expedition Vessel (REV), that’s also designed to scoop up a major oceanic threat—plastic pollution.
The REV, a collaboration with Norway’s World Wildlife Fund (WWF), will be able to suck up to 5 tons of plastic a day from the waters and melt it down, Norway’s Aftenposten newspaper reported.
“I want to give back to society the bulk of what I’ve earned,” Røkke told the publication. “This ship is a part of that.”
According to Business Insider, the mega-yacht—which will be the world’s largest once built—can carry….read more
