Kongsberg Maritime to Deliver AUV Hangar, Docking System for Inkfish Research Vessel

Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to deliver an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Hangar and Launch & Recovery System for a new large research vessel being built by VARD for Inkfish.

The system represents a step forward in AUV operations. It combines a dedicated AUV hangar with subsea docking technology, enabling HUGIN AUVs to be launched, recovered and docked below the sea surface, where wave impact is significantly reduced. This increases operational safety and allows operators to conduct AUV missions in higher sea states. The solution has been developed in close cooperation with KONGSBERG and builds on several years of technology development between the two companies.

Unlike containerized single-vehicle systems, this delivery is a purpose-built hangar solution designed for efficient AUV fleet operations. Kongsberg Maritime will deliver the hangar integration, skidding system, vehicle logistics, and an overhead crane for handling AUVs within the moonpool area and during loading from quayside.

The system is expected to be assembled and tested at Kongsberg Maritime’s facility in Brattvåg, Norway, close to VARD’s shipbuilding operations. Delivery is planned for the end of 2027.