The shipbuilding company Vard, a subsidiary Fincantier Group, has signed a new contract with the US research organisation InkFish for the design and construction of one of the most advanced research that has never been carried out. The value of the agreement exceeds 200 million of euros. The research vessel, made to measure and named RV6000 project, is specifically designed to scientific exploration. Will join the fleet expanding Inkfish, joining 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 speed maximum of 15 knots and an operational autonomy of up to 30 days. The RV6000 is equipped with an ROV with operating capacity up to at a depth of 6000 meters, it will be able to support two manned submarines and will be equipped with an A-Frame system at the stern and a large hangar for the maintenance and storage. On the starboard side will be installed a offshore crane equipped with AHC system for operations up to 2,500 meters depth. The unit will be equipped with a hydroacoustic survey system capable of mapping the High-resolution seabed, with a resolution of 0.5 x 1 degrees, and to analyze the water column at all depths.

The technical configuration includes the generation and hybrid propulsion. The hull is designed to ensure advanced seabed mapping performance and for excellent seaworthiness quality, thanks to anti-roll technologies of that reduce movements and accelerations, ensuring excellent parking performance. The ship will be also equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, offices and workshops, as well as high-quality accommodation and recreation areas Designed to provide maximum comfort. These environments will support up to 70 crew members and researchers, and will meet the stringent requirements of DNV COMF (Comfort Class), ensuring exceptionally low levels of noise and vibration.

VARD will manage the entire process of building the unit, from the design and construction of the hull to the fitting, integration and commissioning, including the provision by the Sister companies of the group: Seaonics, Vard Electro and Vard Interiors. The hull will be built at one of the VARD shipyards in Romania, while the final set-up activities, commissioning and delivery will take place at one of the shipyards of the group in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.