VARD has secured a record 700 million-euro ($814 million) contract from Gabe Newell’s global research organization Inkfish to build a 162-meter research vessel capable of operating at depths of up to 11,000 meters. The company said it is the largest single-vessel order in VARD's history and the largest ever awarded to a Norwegian shipyard.
RV11000 builds on the design developed for Inkfish's first purpose-built research vessel, RV6000, which was contracted with VARD in 2025. Both vessels will join RV Hydra and RV Dagon in Inkfish’s growing fleet to support marine research globally and contribute data to open-sourced repositories.
RV11000 is developed in collaboration with Inkfish and their technical partner YTMC, along with the support of the Fincantieri Group. The research vessel is designed for seafloor mapping, coring operations, submarine handling and support, and ROV operations at depths up to 11,000 meters. RV11000 will feature the largest battery installation ever fitted on a ship, enabling 12 hours of silent scientific sub operations.
A large submarine hangar will store and maintain two submarines on board, with a stern-mounted A-frame system for submarine launch and recovery included. The vessel will also include an ROV hangar with handling systems that can operate through a central moon pool or side-launch arrangement. Other features include a 40-meter corer system for vertical soil and sediment sampling, an offshore crane on port side for operations down to 2,500 meters, and four active stabilizers for reduced motions and accelerations.
The research vessel offers accommodation for 130 crewmembers and scientists, mostly in single cabins. Extensive public facilities will also be on board, including dedicated working spaces such as offices, laboratories, and workshops. The vessel will be certified in accordance with the latest IACS cybersecurity requirements, making it resilient against modern-day digital threats.
“We are extremely proud that Inkfish has returned to Vard Group for another research vessel. This vessel is truly unique in all terms with a high level of new design ideas and technological solutions,” said Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, CEO at Vard Group. “This level of innovation and creativity would not be possible without the engagement of our long-term owner Fincantieri and their goal to further develop our mutual portfolio of highly technological solutions. I am also impressed with the skilled Vard Team working on this project. The excellence they show is groundbreaking and contributes to elevating the vessel’s capabilities and operational excellence.”
