Vard , the Norwegian subsidiary of the Group, one of the world’s leading specialist vessel builders , has signed a new contract with the American research organization InkFish for the design and construction of one of the most advanced research vessels ever built. The deal is valued at over €200 million.
The custom-built research vessel, designated Project RV6000, is specifically designed for scientific exploration. It will join Inkfish’s expanding fleet, joining RV Hydra and RV Dagon , to support global marine research. In close collaboration with host countries, the data collected will contribute to open-source repositories.
The vessel is designed for seabed mapping, submersible support, and ROV operations. It will be 100 meters long and 20.7 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 15 knots and an operational autonomy of up to 30 days.
The RV6000 is equipped with an ROV capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters. It will be capable of supporting two manned submersibles and will feature an A-Frame system aft and a large hangar for maintenance and storage. An offshore crane equipped with an AHC system will be installed on the starboard side for operations at depths of up to 2,500 meters. The vessel will be equipped with a hydroacoustic survey system capable of high-resolution seabed mapping, with a resolution of 0.5 x 1 degree, and analyzing the water column at all depths.
The technical configuration includes hybrid power generation and propulsion. The hull is designed to ensure advanced performance in seabed mapping and excellent seakeeping qualities, thanks to cutting-edge anti-roll technologies that reduce movement and acceleration, ensuring excellent stationary performance. The vessel will also be equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, and workshops, as well as high-quality accommodations and recreational areas designed for maximum comfort. These spaces will support up to 70 crew members and researchers and will meet the stringent requirements of the DNV COMF (Comfort Class) notation, ensuring exceptionally low levels of noise and vibration.
“The agreement with InkFish confirms the role of VARD and the Fincantieri Group as leading technological partners in the design and construction of highly specialized and advanced naval vessels, this collaboration is based on a shared vision of scientific progress and technological innovation, leveraging our engineering expertise to develop a vessel that represents a new benchmark in supporting global research. The project reflects our commitment to driving technological progress in the naval sector and to addressing the challenges of an ever-evolving global market with vision and expertise, transforming them into opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri
Through its integrated value chain, VARD will manage the entire vessel construction process, from hull design and construction to outfitting, integration, and commissioning, including supply by the Group’s subsidiaries: Seaonics, Vard Electro, and Vard Interiors . The hull will be built at one of VARD’s shipyards in Romania, while final outfitting, commissioning, and delivery will take place at one of the Group’s shipyards in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.
Inkfish is a global philanthropic organization that integrates marine science, engineering, medical innovation, and operational expertise to develop new technologies and support marine research initiatives.
