Dutch firm takes over management of 40-meter catamaran research vessel

March 26, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Dutch offshore services company Mark Offshore is set to manage and operate a catamaran research vessel for offshore renewables, marine survey and nearshore energy projects under an agreement with Lithuania’s Klaipėda University.

Built in 2014, the 40-meter DP1 subsea support vessel Mintis has supported a range of offshore activities, including ROV, AUV and USV operations, subsea equipment deployment, diving and shallow water operations, and hydrographic and geophysical surveys.

Under their agreement, Klaipėda University has appointed Mark Offshore as commercial and operational manager for activities within the renewables and energy domains.

The vessel is currently located in Klaipėda and available for client inspections, the company said.

“Adding Mintis to our fleet is a significant step forward for Mark Offshore. The offshore renewables market increasingly demands flexible, multi-purpose vessels that can operate efficiently in both shallow and deeper waters. Mintis fits that requirement perfectly, and we thank Klaipėda University for their trust to have us manage this ship,” said Mark van der Star, Mark Offshore’s Founder and Managing Director.

“What makes this vessel truly special is the combination of scientific capability, operational flexibility, and cost-efficiency. It is a beautifully designed catamaran with exceptional stability, a smart layout, and a proven track record in demanding environments. This allows us to offer our clients a highly capable platform that delivers real value across a wide range of offshore projects.”

According to Mark Offshore, the vessel is equipped with a central moonpool between the twin hulls and a dedicated midship A-frame, enabling deployment of a wide range of subsea vehicles, while its onboard laboratory can be converted into a fully functional ROV control room.

Mintis’ aft deck features a 14-ton SWL A-frame and multiple winch systems, enabling the deployment and recovery of subsea equipment such as CPT systems, buoys, landers, clump weights, measurement pods and environmental monitoring equipment.

Furthermore, it is equipped with a wet lab featuring a moonpool with Reson MBES, an SVP davit, and a survey pole capable of deploying MBES, SSS, and sub-bottom profilers. The vessel accommodates up to 17 personnel.