Mark Offshore has reached an agreement with Klaipėda University (Lithuania) to operate Research Vessel Mintis, further strengthening its position in the offshore renewables and subsea support market. Under this agreement, Klaipėda University has appointed Mark Offshore as commercial and operational manager for activities within the renewables and energy domains.

The addition of r/v Mintis represents a strategic expansion of Mark Offshore’s service offering towards flexible, cost-efficient subsea support solutions that are specifically tailored to the growing demands of offshore wind, marine survey, and nearshore energy projects.

Originally designed as a scientific research vessel, r/v Mintis combines high-end research capabilities with practical offshore functionality. This unique combination enables commercial clients to benefit from a highly versatile platform that bridges the gap between traditional Survey Vessels and dedicated Subsea Support Vessels.

Operational experience in offshore renewables

R/V Mintis is a 40-metre DP1 catamaran research vessel built in 2014, with proven operational experience across the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Mediterranean and Eastern North Atlantic. Since 2015, the vessel has been actively involved in international marine research projects, many of which are directly linked to offshore renewable energy developments. The vessel is currently located in Klaipėda and available for client inspections.

Mark van der Star, Mark Offshore’s founder and managing director, says: “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.

“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.”