en.Wedoany.com Reported - Norwegian shipyard Vard (a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group) has signed the largest single-vessel contract in its history, and also the largest of its kind for a Norwegian shipyard, worth nearly €700 million (US$816 million), to design and build a deep-sea research vessel for the U.S. research organization Inkfish. The project, named RV11000, is based on Vard's specialized research vessel design, developed in collaboration with Inkfish by Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway. It will serve as a customized platform for seabed mapping, core sampling, submersible operations, and ROV activities at depths of up to 11,000 meters.
The vessel will support a wide range of deep-sea missions, including the deployment and support of submersibles, ROVs, and autonomous vehicles. The new research vessel is 162 meters (531 feet) long and is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2030. It represents a significant capability upgrade, building upon the engineering and design foundation of the RV6000 vessel, which Vard contracted to build for Inkfish in 2025.
"This project combines scale, technological complexity, and scientific ambition, reflecting our ability to design and deliver next-generation deep-sea exploration solutions," said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. "It also highlights the strategic importance of the underwater domain for Fincantieri, where we continue to invest and innovate, leveraging unique capabilities to support increasingly complex missions, from scientific research to the monitoring and protection of critical underwater infrastructure."
The vessel will be equipped with one of the largest battery installations ever put on a ship, enabling up to 12 hours of silent scientific operations, combined with a highly advanced propulsion system integrating DC technology with a battery hybrid solution. The hull will be optimized for high-performance seabed mapping, ensuring excellent station-keeping capabilities and higher operational efficiency, while advanced stabilizers will minimize motion and acceleration.
The vessel will also be certified according to the latest IACS cyber security requirements, ensuring high resilience and protection for critical onboard systems against evolving digital threats.
Onboard facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops, and scientific spaces, along with high-standard accommodation for up to 130 crew and researchers, designed to ensure optimal comfort and enable the highest standards of scientific work.
Vard will manage the project, including design, hull construction, outfitting, integration, and commissioning. The hull will be built at Vard's shipyard in Tulcea, Romania, while outfitting, commissioning, and delivery will take place at one of the group's yards in Norway.
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