Vard has secured a €200 million vessel build contract from Ocean Infinity for four advanced robotic ships which will help the company further advance its offshore operation portfolio.
The Norwegian shipbuilder, part of the Fincantieri Group, will design and construct four Multi-Purpose Robotic Vessels (MPVs) for its existing customer Ocean Infinity.
Commenting on the project, Pierroberto Folgiero, chief executive officer, Fincantieri, said: “This contract demonstrates our technological leadership in the transition toward unmanned and robotised maritime operations and confirms our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions for the future of offshore work.”
Purpose-built
It’s a deal which reflects rising global demand for remotely operated vehicles capable of supporting complex subsea missions.
The vessels are purpose-built for offshore operations, enabling the deployment of remote operated vehicles and geotechnical systems while reducing human exposure to hazardous environments.
As part of the agreement, Vard will provide a fully integrated scope of onboard systems through its specialist subsidiaries.
Vard Electro will deliver the complete suite of SeaQ systems, enabling advanced remote and automated vessel operations.
Meanwhile, Vard Interiors will be responsible for the full interior outfitting, combining innovative design with energy-efficient solutions to enhance crew comfort and operational performance.
Seaonics will supply the Launch and Recovery System (LARS), a critical component for handling ROVs and subsea equipment.
The construction programme will be split across Vard’s international shipbuilding network. Two vessels will be built at the group’s Norwegian yards and delivered in the first half of 2028.
These remaining two units will be constructed at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam, with deliveries scheduled for the second half of the year, underlining the group’s global production capabilities.
Ocean Infinity has been working hard to build what it calls the largest fleet of remotely operated ships in the world.
At the end of 2025, Ocean Infinity announced the final vessel in its 14-vessel Armada fleet had been delivered, ‘closing a chapter’ on five years’ work.
