The value of the agreement exceeds 200 million euros
The shipbuilding company Vard, a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group, has signed a new contract with the US research organization InkFish for the design and construction of one of the most advanced research vessels ever undertaken. The value of the agreement exceeds 200 million euros. The research vessel, custom-built and named RV6000 project, is specifically designed for scientific exploration. It will join the expanding Inkfish fleet, alongside the RV Hydra and the RV Dagon, to support marine research globally. In close cooperation with host countries, the data collected will help create open-source repositories.
The vessel is designed for seabed mapping, submarine support, and ROV operations. It will have a length of 100 meters and a width of 20.7 meters, a maximum speed of 15 knots, and an operational autonomy of up to 30 days. The RV6000 is equipped with an ROV capable of operating at depths of up to 6000 meters, will be able to support two manned submarines, and will feature an A-Frame system at the stern and a large hangar for maintenance and storage. On the starboard side, an offshore crane equipped with an AHC system for operations up to 2,500 meters depth will be installed. The unit will also include a hydroacoustic survey system capable of high-resolution seabed mapping, with a resolution of 0.5 x 1 degrees, and analyzing the water column at all depths.
The technical configuration includes hybrid power generation and propulsion. The hull is designed to ensure advanced seabed mapping performance and excellent seaworthiness, thanks to anti-roll technologies that reduce movements and accelerations, ensuring superior station-keeping performance. The ship will also feature state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, and workshops, as well as high-quality accommodation and recreation areas designed for maximum comfort. These spaces will support up to 70 crew members and researchers and will meet the stringent DNV COMF (Comfort Class) requirements, ensuring exceptionally low noise and vibration levels.
VARD will oversee the entire vessel construction process, from hull design and fabrication to outfitting, integration, and commissioning, with contributions from sister companies Seaonics, Vard Electro, and Vard Interiors. The hull will be built at one of VARD’s shipyards in Romania, while final outfitting, commissioning, and delivery will take place at one of the group’s shipyards in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.
