TRIESTE – Vard, the Norwegian subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group, has signed a new contract with U.S.-based research organization InkFish for the design and construction of one of the most advanced research vessels ever built.
The agreement is worth over €200 million. The custom-built research vessel, named project RV6000, is specifically designed for scientific exploration. It will join InkFish’s expanding fleet alongside RV Hydra and RV Dagon to support marine research on a global scale. In close cooperation with host countries, the collected data will contribute to the creation of open-source repositories. InkFish is a global philanthropic organization that integrates vessels, engineering, medical innovation, and operational expertise to develop new technologies and support marine research initiatives.
The vessel is designed for seafloor mapping, submersible support, and ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operations. It will be 100 meters long and 20.7 meters wide, with a top speed of 15 knots and an operational endurance of up to 30 days.
The RV6000 will be equipped with a ROV capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters, will be able to support two crewed submersibles, and will feature a stern A-frame launch and recovery system along with a large hangar for maintenance and storage. On the starboard side, it will be fitted with an offshore crane featuring an AHC (Active Heave Compensation) system for operations down to 2,500 meters. The vessel will also be equipped with a hydroacoustic survey system capable of high-resolution seabed mapping (0.5 x 1 degree resolution) and full-depth water column analysis.
The technical configuration includes hybrid power generation and propulsion. The hull is designed to ensure high-performance seabed mapping and excellent seakeeping qualities, thanks to next-generation anti-roll technologies that reduce motion and acceleration, guaranteeing outstanding station-keeping capabilities.
The vessel will also feature cutting-edge laboratories, offices, and workshops, as well as high-quality accommodation and recreational areas designed for maximum comfort. These spaces will support up to 70 crew members and researchers and will meet the strict standards of the DNV COMF (Comfort Class) notation, ensuring exceptionally low levels of noise and vibration.
“The agreement with InkFish confirms the role of Vard and the Fincantieri Group as key technology partners in the design and construction of highly specialized and advanced vessels. This collaboration,” commented Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, “is based on a shared vision of scientific progress and technological innovation, enhancing our engineering expertise to develop a vessel that sets a new benchmark in support of global research.
The project reflects our commitment to driving technological advancement in the maritime sector and to meeting the challenges of an evolving global market with foresight and competence—turning them into opportunities for growth and innovation.”
VARD will manage the entire construction process, from the design and construction of the hull to outfitting, integration, and commissioning, including supplies from Group subsidiaries Seaonics, Vard Electro, and Vard Interiors. The hull will be built at VARD’s Romanian shipyards, while final outfitting, commissioning, and delivery will take place at one of the Group’s yards in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.
