Norwegian shipbuilder VARD, part of the Fincantieri group, has signed a contract worth over $233 million (EUR 200 million) with the U.S.-based research organization Inkfish for the design and construction of the new RV6000 research vessel.
Specifically developed for global ocean research, the vessel will expand Inkfish’s fleet, which already includes the research vessels Hydra and Dagon. All collected data will be shared in open repositories for the global scientific community.
The RV6000 is designed for high-precision seabed mapping, subsea support, and operations with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The vessel will measure 100 meters in length, 20.7 meters in beam, with a maximum speed of 15 knots and an endurance of up to 30 days.
It will be equipped with an ROV capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters and will be able to accommodate two manned submersibles. The vessel will also feature a high-resolution hydroacoustic survey system (0.5 x 1 degree), a starboard AHC subsea crane for depths up to 2,500 meters, an A-frame system at the stern, and a spacious hangar for equipment maintenance and storage.
The technical configuration will include a hybrid generation and propulsion system. The hull design will ensure excellent seakeeping and stability for precise seabed mapping, incorporating anti-roll technologies to reduce motion and acceleration. Onboard facilities will include laboratories, offices, workshops, and comfortable accommodation for up to 70 crew members and researchers, built to DNV COMF standards to ensure low noise and vibration levels.
VARD will oversee the entire construction process, including design, hull construction, outfitting, integration, and commissioning, utilizing the expertise of its group subsidiaries: Seaonics, Vard Electro, and Vard Interiors. The hull will be built at one of VARD’s Romanian shipyards, while final outfitting and delivery will take place in Norway, with the vessel scheduled for delivery in Q2 2028.
Inkfish is a global nonprofit organization that integrates ships, engineering, medical innovation, and operational expertise to develop new technologies and support ocean research initiatives worldwide.
