VARD has been awarded a contract for the design and construction of a new research vessel of VARD 9 42 design.
The contract, which has been valued at nearly 700 million EUR, was signed by VARD with the global research organisation Inkfish.
Representing the largest order ever secured by VARD for one single vessel, as well as the largest order of its kind for any Norwegian shipyard; the new research vessel will build on engineering and design foundations previously established by Inkfish’s first purpose-built research vessel, project-named RV6000 (length of 100 m and a beam of 20,7 m), contracted with VARD in 2025.
Together, the two vessels will join Inkfish’s growing fleet alongisde RV Hydra and RV Dagon in order to support marine research globally and contribute data to open-sourced repositories.
Project-named RV11000; the vessel will measure in at a length of 162 metres and a beam of 28 metres, and will be developed by Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway, in collaboration with Inkfish and their technical partner YTMC and with the support of the Fincantieri Group.
The vessel will act as a tailor-made research vessel designed for seafloor mapping, corer operations, submarine handling and support, and ROV operations at depths of up to 11,000 metres. It will also feature the largest battery installation ever fitted on a shop, allowing for 12 hours of scientific sub operations.
Certified in accordance with all the latest IACS cybersecurity requirements, the vessel builds on earlier designs to deliver greater capacity, flexibility and reach to enable science. It will utilise a custom-built platform, and aim to bring researchers, shipbuilders, and operators together to ensure that the design is driven by ambition and need.
The vessel will offer high-level accommodation for up to 130 crew members in scientists, which will be provided through a number of single cabins and public facilities.
CEO at Vard Group, Cathrine Kristiseter Marti says:We are extremely proud that Inkfish has returned to Vard Group for another research vessel. This vessel is truly unique in all terms with a high level of new design ideas and technological solutions. This level of innovation and creativity would not be possible without the engagement of our long-term owner Fincantieri and their goal to further develop our mutual portfolio of highly technological solutions.
I am also impressed with the skilled Vard Team working on this project. The excellence they show is groundbreaking and contributes to elevating the vessel’s capabilities and operational excellence.
VARD will deliver design, build the hill, outfit, integrate and commission the vessel for the customer. The vessel will be equipped with a comprehensive SeaQ solution from Vard Electro, covering power, control, bridge and communication systems in one integrated delivery. It will also feature an advanced propulsion setup combining DC technology with one of the largest battery installations ever delivered in the maritime sector, enabling highly efficient and flexible operations.
The delivery will also introduce a newly developed bridge concept, wherein which the operator environment is expanded beyond traditional navigation to include research and safety functions.
Developed and designed in close collaboration with leading industrial designers, the solution aims to reflect a future-oriented approach to vessel operations, combining advanced technology with a strong focus on usability, integration and operational efficiency.
For the RV11000; Seaonics will deliver a fully comprehensive and advanced lift & handling package to support Inkfish’s future research missions, which will include an A-frame system, scientific winch system, launch and recovery system for ROV with 11,000 meter depth capacity, shipboard cranes and an offshore crane. The delivery also includes Corer System, CTD System, Moonpool, Hatches and Drop Keel.
The hull of the vessel will be built at Vard Shipyards Romania – Tulcea, with all outfitting, commissioning and delivery being handled by one of VARD’s yards in Norway. Delivery is scheduled to be Q1 2030.
