Vard signs €700M contract with Gabe Newell's marine research organisation for 162m vessel

Norwegian shipyard Vard has announced a new contract with marine research and ocean exploration organisation Inkfish – co-founded by Oceanco owner Gabe Newell – for a 162-metre research vessel.

The new build project, named RV11000, will be constructed on Vard's 9 42 platform with a cost of nearly €700,000,000 - the largest contract ever secured by the yard for a single vessel, and the largest order of its kind for any Norwegian shipyard. 

RV11000 will build upon the engineering and design of Inkfish’s first purpose-built research vessel, the 100-metre RV6000, which was contracted with Vard in 2025. Both new builds will join Inkfish’s growing fleet of research vessels, alongside Hydra and Dagon.

The 162-metre vessel has been developed by Vard Design, in collaboration with Inkfish and their technical partner YTMC, with additional support from Italian shipyard Fincantieri Group. RV11000 has been specifically designed for ocean research activities, including seafloor mapping, corer operations, submarine handling and support and ROV operations at depths of up to 11,000 metres.

To facilitate this, onboard features include a stern-mounted A-frame system for submarine launch and recovery, a large submarine hangar for two submarines, a dedicated ROV hangar, a 2,000-metre flexible control-cable winch system, a 40-metre corer system and a fibre-rope lifting system with a 15,000-metre capacity – all of which will be delivered by Seaonics. Meanwhile, oceanographic instruments include a CTD system for high-precision measurements and an offshore crane for operations down to 2,500 metres. 

Her hull has been optimised for "ultimate seabed mapping performance", alongside four active stabilisers for reduced motion on board. Alongside an advanced propulsion setup, the new build will be fitted with the "largest battery installation ever fitted on a ship", according to her builders, which will enable up to 12 hours of silent scientific sub operations. She will also be certified in accordance with the latest IACS cybersecurity requirements for protection against digital threats.

Accommodation on board is for 130 crew members and scientists (mostly in single cabins), in addition to extensive public facilities and dedicated working spaces including offices, laboratories and workshops. The yard noted the interiors'  "carefully curated spaces, exclusive materials and cohesive architectural identity", have been curated to balance technical performance with elevated design.

All of the combined equipment and amenities of RV11000 have been developed with the aim of "revealing previously unknown regions, build[ing] the most comprehensive deep-ocean dataset to date and open[ing] new frontiers for scientific exploration," the yard stated. 

"This next-generation vessel builds on earlier designs to deliver significantly greater capability, flexibility and reach to enable science," said Stu Buckle, new builds and special projects at Inkfish. "RV11000 will be a custom-built platform that pushes the boundaries on what is possible for marine research – strengthening our ability to support scientists and unlock new understanding of the ocean. Bringing researchers, shipbuilders and operators together from the outset has ensured the design is driven directly by scientific ambition and need."

In addition to exploration equipment, RV11000 will be equipped with a SeaQ solution from Vard Electro, which covers the power, control, bridge and communication systems in one integrated package. She will also introduce a newly developed bridge concept for expanded research and safety functions. Designed in collaboration with leading industrial designers, the solution is said to "reflect a future-oriented approach to vessel operations".

A "next-generation" HVAC system on board will meet C1 comfort standards, offering high indoor air quality and 100 per cent fresh air ventilation. Advanced air purification, continuous monitoring and an efficient heat pump solution ensure further comfort.

CEO at Vard Group, Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, added: "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."

Marti continued: "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."

Vard will be overseeing the design, hull build, outfitting, integrating and commissioning of RV11000. The hull construction will be completed at Vard Shipyards Tulcea in Romania, while the outfitting, commissioning and delivery will be completed at one of Vard's yards in Norway. 

Delivery is scheduled in Q1 of 2030.

The shipyard is famed for building the 194.9-metre expedition vessel REV Ocean – also known as the world's largest superyacht – which is scheduled for delivery later this year.