Vard Shipyards Romania recently laid the keel of a new research vessel ordered by US-based research organisation Inkfish.
The vessel's hull will be built in Romania while final outfitting and commissioning will take place at Vard Søviknes in Norway. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.
The vessel will have a length of 100 metres, a beam of 20.7 metres, and a maximum speed of 15 knots. It will be capable of seafloor mapping, submersible support, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations.
The vessel will be able to support two manned submersibles and an ROV with a rated depth of 6,000 metres. The ship will also feature a hybrid propulsion system and accommodation for up to 70 crewmembers and scientists.
Onboard equipment will include a stern-mounted A-frame, a large maintenance hangar, an offshore crane with active heave compensation, and a hydroacoustic survey system for high-resolution seafloor mapping.
The new research vessel is being built at a cost of €200 million (US$230 million).