VARD Secures Major Contract for Advanced Research Vessel Construction

ÅLESUND, Norway – Maritime industry leader VARD has announced the signing of a significant new contract with international research organization Inkfish for the design and construction of an advanced research vessel designated RV6000. The project represents one of the most sophisticated scientific exploration platforms ever developed for marine research operations.

The custom-built research vessel will expand Inkfish’s existing fleet, which currently includes RV Hydra and RV Dagon, supporting the organization’s global marine research initiatives. The vessel is specifically engineered to facilitate collaborative scientific work with host countries, with all collected data contributing to open-source repositories for the broader scientific community.

Advanced Technical Specifications

RV6000 incorporates cutting-edge maritime technology designed for comprehensive ocean exploration. The vessel features specialized capabilities for advanced seafloor mapping, submersible support operations, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployments. Central to its scientific capabilities is a sophisticated hydroacoustic survey system capable of delivering high-resolution seafloor mapping at 0.5 x 1 degrees resolution, alongside comprehensive water column analysis across all operational depths.

The research platform will house state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, and workshops, providing scientists with the necessary facilities for conducting complex marine research operations. Additionally, the vessel incorporates high-quality accommodation and recreational facilities designed to enhance crew comfort during extended research missions.

Industry-Leading Comfort Standards

RV6000 has been designed to meet the stringent DNV COMF (Comfort Class) notation, representing the highest standards in maritime comfort classification. The vessel features exceptionally low levels of noise and vibration, crucial for both sensitive scientific equipment operation and crew wellbeing during long-duration research missions.

Delivery Timeline and Future Operations

While specific delivery timelines were not disclosed in the announcement, the project is expected to follow VARD’s established construction protocols for specialized vessels. Upon delivery, RV6000 will join Inkfish’s fleet in supporting marine research operations globally, with the vessel’s open-source data contribution model expected to benefit the broader scientific community.

The announcement represents a significant milestone for both VARD and the marine research sector, highlighting the continued evolution of scientific exploration capabilities in maritime environments. The project underscores the industry’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that support sustainable ocean research and contribute to global scientific knowledge.