VARD has signed a contract with Inkfish for the construction of a research vessel. According to the Norwegian shipyard, the order is worth almost 700 million euros, making it the largest single order in VARD's history. The project is named RV11000 in reference to its enormous deep diving capabilities.
The from Gabe Newell In the summer of 2025, the research organisation founded by the German government placed an order with the Norwegians for the 100-metre RV6000 as a base for a 6,000-metre-deep diving robot. Both vessels will join the growing fleet to support global marine research and provide data for freely accessible scientific databases. Inkfish currently utilises "Dagon" (68 m, 1985, ex-"Pressure Drop") and "Hydra" (56 m, 1974, ex-"Alucia"), and Newell also manages the large yachts "Leviathan" and "Draak"where the Valve CEO lives in rotation throughout the year.
Second new VARD building for Inkfish
The new research vessel will be 162 metres long and 28 metres wide. RV11000 is based on the "VARD 9 42" design and is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2030. Then the 195 metre long "REV Ocean" The ship is already afloat, but the colossus has dedicated itself to dual use as a research vessel and leisure boat.
According to the shipyard, the 162-metre design represents a significant step forward in terms of performance and builds on the technical and design foundations established with RV6000. The RV11000 was developed by Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway, in close collaboration with Inkfish and is a customised platform for seabed mapping, core drilling and sampling, underwater operations and ROV activities at depths of up to 11,000 metres.
Twelve hours of battery operation
The ship will have a state-of-the-art propulsion system with one of the largest battery systems ever installed on a ship, which will allow it to operate silently for up to twelve hours. In this mode, all consumers are powered exclusively by the batteries while the diesel generators are switched off. This should enable underwater operations where engine noise would interfere with scientific measurements.
The hull is optimised for high-performance seabed mapping and is designed to ensure excellent position holding and improved operational efficiency. Four active stabilisers combat rolling motion, while the dynamic positioning system allows precise position holding without the use of anchors.
Designed for extreme depths
The Inkfish flagship will carry out seabed surveys, take sediment samples and deploy submarines and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs). An A-frame crane is located at the stern, which can be used to lower submarines into the water and bring them back on board. A large hangar provides space for two submarines, which are maintained and stored there.
There is a separate hangar with a launch system for ROV missions. The remote-controlled vehicles can be launched either through a moon pool located amidships (an opening in the ship's floor) or from the side. A winch with a 12,000 metre long cable (umbilical) is installed below deck and supplies the ROVs with power and control signals.
Systems for sampling
The ship has a 40 metre long corer system for taking sediment samples. This is inserted vertically into the seabed and takes cylindrical samples from different layers of the seabed. A fibre rope lifting system can bring loads on board from depths of up to 15,000 metres.
An offshore crane that can work at depths of up to 2,500 metres is mounted on the port side. The crane is equipped with active heave compensation, which compensates for ship movements caused by swell. A CTD system is also on board, which measures the salinity, temperature and pressure of the seawater at various depths.
Electrical engineering and bridge concept
VARD Electro supplies the entire electrical equipment. The SeaQ system includes power supply, control, bridge equipment and communication technology. The drive combines direct current technology with the battery system.
The bridge follows a new concept that goes beyond classic navigation. In addition to the navigation functions, workstations for scientific tasks and safety functions are integrated. The layout was developed together with industrial designers and is intended to improve usability and workflows.
Accommodation and work areas
There is room for 130 people on board, including crew and scientists. Most of the cabins are single cabins. There are common rooms, offices, laboratories and workshops. The laboratories are equipped for various scientific disciplines and allow samples to be processed directly on board.
VARD Interiors is responsible for the interior fittings and technical systems in the living areas. The air conditioning system fulfils the Comfort Class C1 standard and supplies 100 percent fresh air. A heat pump provides heating and cooling. Air purification and continuous monitoring of air quality are part of the system.
Lifting systems and cyber security
Seaonics supplies all lifting and handling systems. These include the A-frame crane in the stern, scientific winches, the launch and recovery system for ROVs with a depth capability of 11,000 metres, ship cranes and the offshore crane. The corer system, the CTD system, the moon pool, hatches and a drop keel will also be supplied by Seaonics.
The ship is certified in accordance with the current IACS requirements for cyber security. The Cyber Security (Essential, +) notation from DNV confirms that essential ship functions are protected against digital threats.
Technical data RV11000
- Length: 162 metres
- Width: 28 metres
- Maximum operating depth: 11,000 metres
- Accommodation: 130 people
- A-frame crane for submarine operations
- Submarine hangar for two units
- ROV hangar with moon pool and side launch system
- ROV cable winch: 12,000 metres
- Corer system: 40 metres long
- Fibre rope lifting system: 15,000 metre capacity
- Offshore crane: 2,500 metres working depth with active heave compensation
- Battery operation: up to 12 hours of low-noise operation
- Four active stabilisers
- Dynamic positioning system
- HVAC system: Comfort Class C1
- Certification: DNV Cyber Security (Essential, +)
- Order value: just under 700 million euros
- Planned delivery: Q1 2030
About VARD
VARD is a Norwegian shipyard with sites in several countries. The company belongs to the Italian Fincantieri Group. VARD develops and builds specialised vessels for various applications, including offshore supply, research and fishing. The shipyard offers design, shipbuilding, repair and conversion as well as equipment such as electrical engineering, interior fittings and handling systems from a single source.
Sören Gehlhaus
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