Posted on July 14, 2025
We are pleased to announce that we have signed a contract with the US based research organization Inkfish for the design and construction of one of the most modern research vessels the world has seen. The vessel is of the new VARD 9 33 design. The value of the contract is exceeding 200 Mill euros.
Inkfish is a global philanthropic organization that integrates vessels, engineering, medical innovation, and operational expertise to develop new technologies and further marine research initiatives.
A vessel for the future
The custom-built research vessel, project name RV6000, is specially designed 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 tailor-made research vessel, named RV6000 for Inkfish, is specially designed for seafloor mapping with a world-leading gondola mounted sensor suite, submersive support and ROV operations with an operational capacity to 6000 m depth.
The design is the result of an ongoing collaborative development effort initiated in early 2024 by Inkfish and their UK-based technical representatives, YTMC. It incorporates both current and anticipated requirements from Inkfish’s pioneering teams in science, subsea, and aviation who will operate aboard the vessel.
Torkild Skjong, Lead designer Vard Design and SVP Sales & Marketing, Rune Rødset.
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, utilizing advanced anti-roll technologies for reduced motions and accelerations and excellent station keeping performances whilst in Dynamic Positioning Mode.
Unique vessel built for the future
– 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 groundbreaking project, and we are looking forward to continuous collaboration with Inkfish throughout the construction, says Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, CEO in VARD.
VARD 9 33 – RV6000 vessel
RV6000 has an ROV with operational capacity to reach 6000 m 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 2,500 meters.
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 state-of-the-art 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.
Advanced and complex project
– VARD is proud to partner with the highly demanding and professional team at Inkfish. This advanced and complex project fits VARD perfectly. To solve these challenging tasks shows the full capacity and competencies in Vard Group , says SVP Sales and Marketing in VARD, Rune Rødset.
