How will the project be organized and financed?
 
There will be two organizations involved in the operation of GAIASHIP


GAIASHIP Foundation - an independent, non-profit organization responsible for all special programs and activities on board. The initial financing of the Foundation has to come in the form of sponsorship of the Foundation as a whole or of its specific activities, plus possible funding from governments or international bodies. Once the Foundation becomes active, income can be achieved through membership subscriptions and transfers from the commercial activities.

GAIASHIP Limited - a limited company responsible for all commercial, profit-making operations of the ship and the activities associated with it. This company will raise the money required to build and outfit the ship, budgeted at US$350 million. This document is an invitation to become involved in this project by investing in the ship itself, or setting up and running facilities on board (such as catering, theater, accommodation, live entertainment, the TV station), sponsoring various activities, or contributing in other ways.

Investors should note that the return on their investment should not be considered only in cash terms, but also in terms of valuable positive publicity, prestige, goodwill, raised corporate and marketing profile and other synergistic effects. Investors will also receive free or discounted use of the accommodation and other facilities on board, and priority in determining their availability.

 
GAIASHIP Financial Model
 

It is necessary to raise US$350 million to finance the construction and outfitting of GAIASHIP. The exact method will be discussed with potential investors, and there are several possibilities. However, the preferred model is as follows:

350 different corporations, institutions and organizations, ideally distributed worldwide to maximize international diversity of the project, will each subscribe to a US$1 million 20-year subordinated loan to the commercial ship-owning company GAIASHIP Limited. In return, each subscriber will become a member of the GAIASHIP Coalition, with an attractive package of benefits. These could include a cash payback over the years, an annual allotment of free space on the vessel, discounts and priority on additional space, an allowance of tuition and seminar fees, special access to the facilities and programs on board, and/or other benefits as may be defined.

Such a financing model calls for a sponsor or a group of founder members who will basically underwrite the implementation of the project. As well as being a part of a very practical business arrangement, an investment in GAIASHIP also represents a unique opportunity to become involved in something very special and worthwhile. Commerce, global affairs, cultural exchange and education, plus rest and recreation, all rolled into one.
 



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