Vard has signed a €200m-plus contract with US-based research organisation Inkfish for the design and construction of what is believed to be one of the most modern research vessels yet.
Inkfish is a global philanthropic organisation that integrates vessels, engineering, medical innovation, and operational expertise to develop new technologies and further marine research initiatives.
The custom-built research vessel, project name RV6000, to a new Vard 9 33 design, is intended for scientific exploration. It will join Inkfish’s growing fleet, alongside RV Hydra and RV Dagon, to support marine research globally. Working closely with host countries, data collected contributes to open-sourced repositories. The vessel is specially designed for seafloor mapping with a gondola mounted sensor suite, submersive support and ROV operations with an operational capacity to 6000m depth.
The design is the result of an ongoing collaborative development effort initiated in early 2024 by Inkfish and its UK-based technical representative, YTMC. It incorporates both current and anticipated requirements from Inkfish’s pioneering teams in science, subsea, and aviation who will operate aboard the vessel.
The technical arrangements include hybrid power generation and propulsion, enabling the vessel to reach a speed of 15 knots. The hull is developed for advanced seafloor mapping performance as well as superior seakeeping abilities, utilising advanced anti-roll technologies for reduced motions and accelerations and excellent station keeping performances whilst in DP mode.
Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, Vard CEO, said: “Together with our long-term owner Fincantieri, we leverage our expertise and ability to tackle complex challenges with the support of our skilled teams. The result is a unique vessel built for the future in terms of its mission, design and on-board technology. Fincantieri and Vard are thrilled to contribute with our excellence to this ground-breaking project, and we are looking forward to continuous collaboration with Inkfish throughout the construction.”
RV6000 has an ROV with operational capacity to reach 6000m depth and is able to support two manned submersibles. It is equipped with a stern-mounted A-Frame system and a large hangar for maintenance and storage. On the starboard side, an offshore crane equipped with AHC is configured for operations down to 2,500m. The vessel is fitted with a hydroacoustic survey system capable of high-resolution seafloor mapping at 0.5 x 1 degrees resolution and water column analysis across all depths.
The vessel also features laboratories, offices and workshops, with high-quality accommodation and recreational facilities designed for enhanced comfort. These amenities support up to 70 crew members and scientists and meet the stringent DNV COMF (Comfort Class) notation, with exceptionally low levels of noise and vibration.
Stu Buckle, Inkfish, said: “Our research vessels are at the heart of what we do – they’re how we get science done. We’re excited to be working with Vard on the next step in that journey: a world-class vessel that will dramatically increase our capacity and broaden the support we can offer the global research community. This has been a unique opportunity to involve the researchers to collaborate with the ship builder and the operators from the first stage of the design process.”
Image: Vard 9 33 research vessel for Inkfish (credit: Vard Group)
