Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has signed a landmark €700 million contract with marine research and ocean exploration organization Inkfish, co-founded by renowned entrepreneur and Oceanco owner Gabe Newell, for the construction of a groundbreaking 162-metre research vessel.
Named RV11000, the vessel will become the largest and most advanced scientific exploration platform ever built by Vard, marking the biggest single contract in the shipyard’s history and the largest order of its kind for a Norwegian shipyard.
Designed by Vard Design in collaboration with Inkfish and technical partner YTMC, the vessel is specifically engineered for deep-ocean exploration, including seafloor mapping, submarine operations, and ROV missions at depths of up to 11,000 metres.
The state-of-the-art vessel will feature two onboard submarines, advanced robotic systems, specialized laboratories, workshops, and accommodation for 130 scientists and crew members. One of its standout innovations is the largest battery installation ever fitted on a ship, enabling up to 12 hours of silent scientific operations while reducing environmental impact.
Built to push the boundaries of marine research, RV11000 aims to unlock new discoveries in some of the least explored regions of the planet. Hull construction will take place at Vard’s shipyard Tulcea in Romania, while final outfitting and delivery will be completed in Norway.
Scheduled for delivery in early 2030, the vessel represents a major step forward in global ocean exploration and reinforces Inkfish’s commitment to advancing scientific understanding of the world’s oceans.
