Vard, the Norwegian shipbuilding subsidiary of Italy’s Fincantieri Group, has been hired to build four new multi-purpose robotic vessels (MPVs) for Ocean Infinity, a Houston-based marine robotics company.

Thanks to a contract with a total value that exceeds €200 million, Vard will handle the design and construction of four MPVs. This deal also entails an integrated supply from Vard Electro, which will deliver the entire suite of SeaQ systems for remote operations, and Vard Interiors, responsible for interior outfitting solutions that combine innovative design and energy-efficient systems to ensure crew comfort and operational excellence.

Seaonics will provide the launch and recovery system (LARS), which will enable advanced management of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and geotechnical units. While two ships will be delivered by Vard’s Norwegian shipyards in the first and second quarters of 2028, the other two will be built at the Vard Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam, with delivery expected in the third and fourth quarters of the same year.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri, commented: “In the era of unmanned ships, this new contract with Ocean Infinity testifies to the ability of Fincantieri and Vard to offer pioneering solutions for the robotization of the maritime industry.

“Our global production network and technological leadership allow us to support world-class partners in their challenges, consolidating Fincantieri’s role as a reference point and catalyst for disruptive innovation and operational excellence in the sector.”

This deal comes shortly after Vard inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NORCE for research and innovation regarding, among other things, subsea technology.