Vard has signed a contract with the global research organization Inkfish for the design and construction of a battery-equipped research vessel of VARD 9 42 design.
The value of the contract is nearly €700m, making it the largest order ever secured by Vard for a single vessel as well as the largest order of its kind for any Norwegian shipyard.
The new research vessel, project-named RV11000 (length of 162m and beam of 28m), is said to represent a significant advance in capability, building on the engineering and design foundations established by Inkfish’s first purpose-built research vessel, project-named RV6000 (length of 100m and a beam of 20.7m), contracted with Vard in 2025. Both vessels will join Inkfish’s growing fleet, alongside RV Hydra and RV Dagon, to support marine research globally and contribute data to open-sourced repositories.
Developed by Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway, in collaboration with Inkfish and technical partner YTMC and with the support of the Fincantieri Group, RV11000 is designed for seafloor mapping, corer operations, submarine handling and support, and ROV operations at depths of up to 11,000m.
RV11000 will feature what is believed to be the largest battery installation ever fitted on a ship, enabling 12 hours of silent scientific sub operations. The vessel builds on earlier designs to deliver significantly greater capability, flexibility, and reach.
It offers high-level accommodation with increased comfort for 130 crew members and scientists, mostly in single cabins, along with extensive public facilities. Dedicated working spaces such as offices, laboratories, and workshops are arranged to ensure the highest scientific quality and working environment.
CEO Vard Group, Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, said: “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.”
Rune Rødset, SVP Sales and Marketing, Vard, added: “The RV11000 is not just another research vessel – it represents a new level of ambition in deep-sea exploration. No other vessel has combined such a wide range of newly developed and highly advanced technologies into a single platform dedicated to operating at the deepest parts of the ocean. Being part of a project of this magnitude is both humbling and inspiring. The innovation level, and the determination from Inkfish have resulted in a vessel that stands in a class of its own.”
RV11000 will be equipped with a comprehensive SeaQ solution from Vard Electro, covering power, control, bridge and communication systems in one integrated delivery. The vessel will feature an advanced propulsion setup combining DC technology with one of the largest battery installations ever delivered in the maritime, enabling highly efficient and flexible operations. The delivery also introduces a newly developed bridge concept, where the operator environment is expanded beyond traditional navigation to include research and safety functions. Developed/designed in close collaboration with leading industrial designers, the solution reflects a future-oriented approach to vessel operations, combining advanced technology with a strong focus on usability, integration and operational efficiency.
The hull of the vessel will be built at Vard Shipyards Romania – Tulcea, while the outfitting, commissioning and delivery will be from one of Vard’s yards in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for Q1 2030.
Image: Rendering of RV11000 research ship (source: Vard Group)
