Gaming billionaire Gabe Newell is set to revolutionise deep-sea exploration with his commissioning of the RV11000, the world’s most advanced marine research vessel. This £595 million investment marks the largest order ever placed with a Norwegian shipyard, highlighting a significant shift in marine research capabilities.
The RV11000 will operate at depths of up to 11,000 metres, enabling unprecedented scientific missions that could reshape our understanding of oceanic ecosystems. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the largest battery installation on a vessel, it promises to enhance silent operations crucial for sensitive research activities.
This vessel will not only support seabed mapping and sediment coring but also facilitate the deployment of remotely operated vehicles, expanding the scope of marine research. The collaboration between Newell’s Inkfish and Norwegian shipbuilder VARD underscores a growing trend of private investment in scientific exploration, potentially leading to breakthroughs in marine biology and climate science.
Scheduled for delivery in 2030, the RV11000 aims to contribute to the most comprehensive deep-ocean dataset ever assembled, paving the way for future discoveries that could impact environmental policies and conservation efforts globally.
Source: Metro
