SINGAPORE (May 2): Vard Holdings, the designer and shipbuilder of specialised vessels, has secured a contract of an undisclosed value for the design and construction of one Research Expedition Vessel (REV) for Rosellinis Four-10.

Developed by Vard Design in collaboration with the customer and the designer Espen Øino, the REV is expected to enter service in 2020.

The highly specialised vessel is tailor-made for worldwide research and expedition activities, with the objective of developing knowledge and sustainable solutions to address the ocean’s environmental challenges. WWF Norway is invited by the shipowner to take part in the further development of the research and expedition project.

Equipped with the latest technology on board, the vessel will be one of the most advanced research expedition vessels in the world. Equipment for monitoring and surveying marine areas, currents, the seabed, fish, animals and plant life in all of the world’s oceans will be available on the vessel.

With its length of 182 meters, the vessel will be the longest one ever designed and built by VARD. The research and expedition area features modern laboratories, an auditorium, a hangar for a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) and an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with direct access to the vessel’s moonpool, and a multifunctional cargo deck.

The hull will be built at Vard Tulcea in Romania, and towed to Vard Brattvaag in Norway for outfitting. After delivery in Norway, the vessel will return to Romania for fairing, deck laying and finalisation of the accommodation area.

Rosellinis Four-10 is wholly-owned by the Norwegian industrialist Kjell Inge Røkke and his family.

Shares of Vard last traded at 24 Singaporean cents.