VARD with the largest contract ever to a deep-sea research vessel

The Norwegian shipyard VARD, belonging to the Italian group Fincantieri, has signed the largest contract in its history. The subject of the order for the American research organization Inkfish is the design and construction of a research ship RV11000, capable of carrying out work at depths up to 11,000 metres.

The value of the contract is close to EUR 700 million. According to VARD, it is the largest single order in the history of the company and the largest contract of the type which has so far been sent to the Norwegian shipyard.

A successor to the buildingRV6000

New unit, will develop the experience gained during the construction of the research vesselRV6000which VARD currently implements for Inkfish. Both units are to support ocean research worldwide. Data collected during the work will be collected and made available for further research.

The ship will be 162 m long and 28 m wide. Transfer to the shipowner is planned for the first quarter of 2030.

Modern energy storage system

RV11000will receive one of the largest battery energy storage systems installed on board. It is intended to allow up to 12 hours of silent research operations without the operation of the main propulsion sources.

The ship was designed as a multi-tasking platform for deep-sea testing, adapted for seabed mapping, core and geological sampling and conducting operations using ROV vehicles, autonomous underwater systems and manned deep-sea vehicles.

The drive will be based on DC technology and hybrid system with batteries. The hull is optimised for precise bottom mapping and position holding during scientific work, while stabilizers are intended to reduce heelY and vibration.Shipit will also meet the latest IACS cybersecurity requirements.

Support for research and protection of maritime critical infrastructure

Fincantieri Pierroberto Folgiero Group president stressed that the contract is of groundbreaking importance for both VARD and the entire group.

According to him, the project combines large scale projects, high levels of technological progress and ambitious scientific objectives. He also highlighted the growing importance of deep-sea research and the monitoring and protection of critical maritime infrastructure.

On board will include modern laboratories, office rooms and workshops.RV11000will accommodate up to 130 crew members and scientific staff. That's almost twice as much as the one built for Inkfish.RV6000That's supposed to take 70 people.

Hull construction in Romania

VARD is responsible for the implementation of the entire project, including the design, construction of the hull, equipment, integration of systems and the collection and reception tests.

The hull will be built at the VARD Group shipyard in Romanian Tulcza. Equipment, sea tests and the transfer of the ship will take place in one of the NorwegianVARD shipyard.

Source: Fincantieri