Vard, a subsidiary of Fincantieri Group, has signed a contract with U.S.-based InkFish for the design and construction of a next-generation oceanographic research vessel. Valued at over €200 million, the custom-built vessel (designated RV6000) will be one of the most advanced research ships ever developed.
The 100-meter-long, 20.7-meter-beam vessel is designed for deep-sea exploration, seafloor mapping, and submersible support. It will support operations at depths up to 6,000 meters and accommodate two manned submersibles. Key features include a hybrid propulsion system, anti-roll technology, state-of-the-art laboratories, and capacity for 70 scientists and crew.
Construction will be managed entirely by Vard, with the hull built in Romania and final outfitting in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for Q2 2028.
The vessel will join InkFish’s expanding research fleet and contribute to open-source marine science efforts worldwide.
