In a bid to further develop the accessibility of scientific research and increase the overall understanding of the ocean’s ecosystems, Arksen has hired two new team members.

The marine technology company has announced the appointment of Jim Mair as Technical Director. Arksen, which prides itself on building ‘the most authentic, capable and efficient explorer vessels of their kind’ has also called upon Ashley Perrin and her team at Antarctic Ice Pilot as consultants to develop the layout and engineering of the Arksen Series.

Jim Mair, Technical Director of Arksen

Its latest series is a range of explorer vessels that range from 20 – 30m, the first three of which, the Arksen 85, are due to have works begin on them soon at Wight Shipyard Co., on the Isle of Wight. While the Arksen 85 falls below the 30m-plus superyacht boundary, one must hope that the success of these projects will result in ever larger ecologically considerate superyachts hitting the water in the years to come.

With a background in marine technical services, Mair is a reputable candidate to fill the role having worked on the build management of heavy-duty workboats and superyacht refit projects. “The work from the Arksen team and project partners to date in developing the Arksen Series and the Arksen Foundation is really amazing,” comments Mair. “It’s hugely exciting to be joining the team and taking the project into the next stage, delivering the first of the Arksen vessels.

“My main focus for the next year is the successful delivery of the first Arksen 85 vessel to an exceptional standard. During that period, we aim to get an Arksen 70 into production, continue the exciting level of development of the Ark-Control system for installation into the ‘autonomy ready’ Arksen 85, and to drive a significant level of funding into environmental and scientific projects through the Arksen Foundation.”

The Arksen Foundation, a non-for-profit organisation providing funding to cutting edge scientific research projects and creating media to ‘inspire a greater understanding of the beauty of the ocean ecosystem’ is a topic of great interest to Perrin and her team at Arctic Ice Pilot, a full-service company specialised in providing yacht preparation services for private vessels heading to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falklands. Her experience working with naval architects on high latitude sailing projects means that she is a natural fit for this project.

Ashley Perrin, Consultant at Arksen

“The project is exciting as it has a conversation angle to it and Antarctic Ice Pilot believes that owners who have the privilege of travelling to remote places should be encouraged to do citizen science or allow scientists to use the asset to gather important data,” adds Perrin.

“By bringing the unique experience and expertise that both Jim and Ashley hold will reinforce Arksen’s core mission of building hybrid, semi-autonomous explorer for explorers and scientists alike,” concludes Jasper Smith, founder of Arksen.

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