Ocean Mapper: A Visionary Collaboration with Espen Oeino and Victor Vescovo

Ocean Mapper – A New Standard in Deep-Ocean Exploration

Engineering IDS is honored to be commissioned by Victor Vescovo, a pioneering deep-sea explorer and entrepreneur, to develop Ocean Mapper—a state-of-the-art vessel designed to redefine deep-ocean mapping. In partnership with Espen Oeino International, one of the world’s most renowned naval design firms, we are merging advanced engineering with world-class design to create an efficient, reliable, and highly capable research platform.

Objective

The primary goal of Ocean Mapper is to maximize efficiency and reliability in deep-ocean exploration. Designed to operate with a minimal crew and optimized for long-duration missions, the vessel aims to become the most cost-effective deep-sea mapping platform ever built, with an expected operating cost of just $1 per square kilometer in deep waters (>4000m). This represents a tenfold increase in efficiency compared to conventional vessels.

Scope of Work

• Engineering IDS collaborates with Espen Oeino International to seamlessly integrate innovative engineering with functional and aesthetic design.
• Development of a vessel concept that prioritizes efficiency, automation, and reliability over size or environmental sustainability claims.
• Ensuring the vessel meets the highest standards for scientific research, deep-sea mapping, and operational cost-effectiveness.

Engineering IDS has been responsible for the vessel’s core technical development, ensuring efficiency, performance, and reliability. This includes hull form optimization, structural design, model testing, performance assessments, and the development of technical specifications for construction.

Designed for Global Collaboration and Scientific Discovery

One of Ocean Mapper’s most defining features is its role as an inclusive, participatory research vessel. The ship is designed to collaborate with local governments, enabling local mariners to participate in mapping their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and territorial waters. This initiative, led by Caladan Oceanic, supports local communities in understanding and managing their marine resources—free of commercial interest, as the vessel will operate solely on a non-profit research basis.

Key Capabilities & Innovations

• Optimized for Efficiency
  Powered by standard diesel engines running at a steady 10 knots, Ocean Mapper is built for cost-effective endurance rather than high-speed transits. Its small size, automation, and mission-specific design provide an unprecedented operational footprint for deep-sea mapping.

• Deployment of “Micro-Landers” to Full Ocean Depth
  The vessel is uniquely designed to launch and recover micro-landers capable of descending to any ocean depth—including full ocean depth (10,935m). These landers can record bathymetric data, collect water and biological samples, and perform in-situ component testing in the extreme pressures of the deep ocean.

With its groundbreaking efficiency and specialized capabilities, Ocean Mapper is set to revolutionize deep-sea exploration, making high-resolution ocean mapping more accessible, affordable, and collaborative than ever before.