The former Royal Mail cargo-passenger vessel St Helena, was one of the final two ships to carry the RMS title. She acted as a supply ship and ‘lifeline’, sailing between Cape Town and the remote British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena.
St Helena has been under Extreme E’s stewardship for more than two years and during this time has undergone an extensive multi-million euro renovation process.
The interior renovation was designed by Neptun Ozis famous for his yacht styling and managed by Mark Bullock TJB Management. Extreme E engaged with Atlantic Marine Interiors to deliver the internal outfitting of the vessel which is used as a floating motorsport paddock travelling the world, transporting Extreme E’s cargo and Electric Racing SUV’s (Odessey 21).
With some of the worlds top Formula 1 names including, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and their teams, travelling onboard the cabins must be of an exceptionally high standard and offer a comfortable surrounding whilst travelling around the globe.
Neptun Ozis used his skills to create functional and stylish spaces with ample storage facilities, comfortable beds, and clean and beautifully stylish interiors.
Every Prom deck Celebrity and VIP cabin was remodelled, having previously been a Royal Mail Ship the original cabins were utilitarian and basic. With sustainability in mind the existing deckheads were resprayed, low energy lights installed, bulkheads recovered, and each cabin was equipped with plenty of sockets with USB’s adaptors. Each bathroom, whilst being compact also received a makeover with new marble bulkheads, vinyl covering, carpets and new shower fixtures and casegoods.
This project was completed in Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead at the height of the COVID Epidemic from October 20 to February 21, with the vessel on a deadline for the start of Extreme E’s race season in Saudi Arabia. This had its own challenges with materials in short supply and protecting the crew and contractors from infection.
The overall finish was to an exceptionally high superyacht standard, with clean lines and contemporary styling. Refurbishment and repurposing of a vessel of this nature is a celebration of sustainability and Extreme E’s environmental ethos, which provides passengers and racing drivers an extremely comfortable environment to prepare for racing and a home away from home.