Norways Vard shipyard continues expanding its orderbook. For Rosellinis Four-10 a new research expedition vessel is being built until 2020.
Rosellinis Four-10 is a project wholly-owned by the Norwegian industrialist Kjell Inge Røkke and his family. The hull will be built at Vard[ds_preview] Tulcea in Romania, and towed to Vard Brattvaag in Norway for outfitting, the Norwegian subsidiary of Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri announced. After delivery in Norway, the vessel will return to Romania for fairing, deck laying and finalization of the accommodation area.
The vessel is planned 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.
In order to diversify its portfolio has been trying to grab orders from different shipping segments in the last months. This proved to be quite successful, with orders placed by different clients in the past weeks and months for example for some cruise and special RoPax vessels.
According to the shipyard, the VARD 6 16 design is developed for navigating waters in the most challenging and vulnerable environments, from arctic to tropical areas. »To secure the most cost efficient, silent, comfortable and environmentally friendly expeditions in all weather conditions, the vessel is designed with slim hull lines in combination with wave-cutting bulb, slender foreship, large propellers and two pairs of stabilization fins. Other key features are the energy recovery rudder system, medium speed engines, a direct drive diesel-electric propulsion system with battery package, and an exhaust cleaning system«, it was said.
The vessel will also employ VARD’S SeaQ Green Pilot, a data driven maritime energy management and operational performance system. »By using real-time measurements, mathematical models and analysis of the vessel‘s performance, an expert system will give the operator advice on the ship’s performance and fuel consumption. This will empower the crew to minimize the carbon footprint of the vessel. SeaQ Green Pilot was developed by Vard Electro in Norway«, Vard added.
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.
Vard’s subsidary Seaonics has developed a scientific winch package for handling through moonpool and over side, a 20 tons fiber rope crane with reach down to 6,000 meters, and a pelagic trawl setup with catch selection for operations down to 3,000 meter depth. All operations including trawling will be inside operations either from the hangar amidships or from a horizontal built in A-frame construction at the stern.
»My very first large factory trawler was built by VARD 30 years ago, and I have enjoyed a great relationship with the team at VARD since then. I know what VARD stands for, and it is a pleasure to come back and build this Research Expedition Vessel together with them.«
Kjell Inge Røkke
