Tech Billionaire Gabe Newell Orders World’s Most Capable Deep-Sea Research Vessel For $816 Million

Marine research organisation Inkfish, founded by Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, has signed a contract with Norwegian shipbuilder VARD to build a new deep-sea research vessel valued at nearly 700 million euros ($816 million).

The vessel, named RV11000, will be 162 metres (531 feet) long with a beam of 28 metres (92 feet).

According to VARD, the contract is the largest order it has ever secured for a single vessel and the largest order of its kind awarded to a Norwegian shipyard. Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2030.

RV11000 is being developed by Vard Design in Ålesund, Norway, in collaboration with Inkfish and technical partner YTMC, with support from the Fincantieri Group.

The vessel is based on the experience gained from Inkfish’s first purpose-built research vessel, RV6000, a 100-metre ship contracted with VARD in 2025.

The new vessel is designed for seafloor mapping, coring operations, submarine handling and support, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) missions at depths of up to 11,000 metres. It will join Inkfish’s growing fleet alongside research vessels RV Hydra and RV Dagon.

VARD said the ship will feature the largest battery installation ever fitted on a vessel, allowing up to 12 hours of silent scientific operations. The company said this will support research activities that require reduced noise and vibration.

The vessel will carry a wide range of equipment for deep-sea missions, including a stern-mounted A-frame system for launching and recovering submarines, a scientific winch system, launch and recovery systems for ROVs operating at depths of up to 11,000 metres, shipboard cranes and an offshore crane.

Additional equipment will include a corer system, CTD system, moonpool, hatches and a drop keel. The vessel will also have a dedicated hangar for two submarines and a separate hangar for ROV operations.

RV11000 will be equipped with an advanced SeaQ system supplied by Vard Electro, covering power management, control systems, bridge functions and communications.

Its propulsion system will combine DC technology with the large battery installation to improve operational flexibility and efficiency.

The ship will also be built to meet the latest International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) cybersecurity requirements and will receive DNV’s Cyber Security (Essential, +) notation.

Accommodation will be provided for up to 130 crew members and scientists, with most housed in single cabins.

The vessel will also include laboratories, workshops, offices and public spaces designed to support scientific operations and long-duration missions.

According to Inkfish, the vessel is intended to support research in previously unexplored areas of the deep ocean and contribute data to open-source scientific repositories.

VARD Chief Executive Cathrine Kristiseter Marti said the vessel incorporates a high level of innovation and new technological solutions.

Inkfish’s Stu Buckle said the project was designed around scientific requirements and aims to expand the organisation’s ability to support ocean research.

The hull will be built at VARD’s shipyard in Tulcea, Romania, while outfitting, commissioning and delivery will take place at one of the company’s Norwegian facilities. The vessel is expected to enter service in early 2030.

References: luxurylaunches, robbreport