The new Owner of 55m (180.5ft) explorer yacht Gene Chaser has revealed she will be used to explore the planet’s genes - combatting global warming and cleaning up the oceans and the air.
Dr. Jonathan Rothberg, a pioneer in genetic sequencing technology, took delivery of the yacht earlier this week and announced it will operate as a support vessel to Gene Machine which Rothberg also owns.
The motivation behind Gene Chaser, he says, comes from the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic: “Coronavirus reminded us of the fragility of our world. Whether it’s a global pandemic or global climate change, each of us must rise to the challenges we face, as we are best prepared.
“For my family, this means Gene Chaser and her onboard Gene Lab – a next-generation lab to address mankind’s greatest challenges. Gene Chaser will be the tip of the spear as we deploy never before available technology to characterize, understand, and expand our knowledge of biodiversity, and identify nature’s solutions – within her genes – to the world’s greatest existential threats.
“We are going to go after genes to combat global warming and clean up the oceans and the air. That’s why it’s the Gene Chaser. In our planet’s very genes lie the answers to our biggest challenges and the key to our salvation.”
Previously known as Blue Ocean, Damen Yachting has spent the past two months transforming the flexible deck layout of the YS 5009 to meet the Owner and crew’s requirements, which include the running of a mobile Gene Lab setup. The main salon has also been modified into a wet and dry laboratory, while other spaces have been set up for conference and educational purposes.
There is accommodation on board for eight visiting researchers, with crew areas accommodating a crew of seven and four full-time scientists.
Gene Chaser is the eighth support vessel to be launched from Damen Yachting's YS 5009 line. Her distinct difference from the seven other YS 5009s is the fact she has a large multipurpose main deck hangar. This can be used for submersibles and dive operations, or as a vehicle garage and workshop.
Damen Yachting was created in 2019 by Damen Shipyard Group to cover the various strands of its operations in the yachting sector of the marine industry. As well as the Yacht Support series of utility vessels, which includes Gene Chaser, it also encompasses the Amels marque, the SeaXplorer brand of expedition yachts and Damen's superyacht refitting business.
If you are interested in finding out more about its fleet you can view all Damen Yachting yachts for sale.
Alternatively to explore the vast number of expedition yachts on the market, view all explorer yachts for sale.
