Oceandiva London is a CO2-neutral superyacht for hire, set to open in January 2023.
The huge, blank canvas venue will be open for drinks receptions, gala dinners, product launches, conferences, award ceremonies and private celebrations. The crew will shuttle up to 1,500 guests up and down the river during the event, providing stunning views of the London skyline. If this all sounds a little out there, the concept has already seen great success in Oceandiva’s native Netherlands, as well as Belgium and Germany.
The enormous three-deck vessel will be 86 metres long and 17m wide, making it by far the largest floating venue on the Thames. The upper deck will boast the best views, ideal for welcome drinks before the main event. The main deck, meanwhile, will offer panoramic views from the comfort of inside the boat. Finally, the lower deck will be a flexible space with a complete tech spec and the most versatile of the three.
Powered by two Samsung Lithium battery packs, the boat will be charged by a green power shore connection, as well as mounted solar panels. As part of the launch, electric charging points will be installed along the river from London Bridge to Greenwich, encouraging other vessels to make the switch.
Smart Group, the UK partner of Oceandiva, is a collection of various hospitality businesses and venues that hosts over 600 events each year. The group focuses on social and environmental impact, making considerable charitable contributions and pledging to be 100% renewable by 2030.
However, it isn’t all plain sailing for Oceandiva. Locals in Bermondsey, among others, have flagged the impact 1,500 passengers would have on the docking site.
Butler’s Wharf, for example, is a conservation area and very narrow. In a meeting, one resident said, 'and you want to chuck 600 people into one narrow street… I don’t think you really care.'
Councillor Rachel Bentley, Southwark Liberal Democrat member for North Bermondsey, commented, 'This mega boat could have an unprecedented impact on Shad Thames in terms of noise, nuisance and anti-social behaviour.'
In response to these concerns, Smart Group CEO Greg Lawson assured residents of the company’s 'great history in operating venues', and that the area wouldn’t suffer from late-night parties. Either way, Oceandiva London is already taking event bookings, although a firm launch date has yet to be announced.
If the skyline sounds like a great backdrop for your event, check out our list of the best venues with a view in London.