INTRODUCTION

The design for the new vessels focused on the intended purposes and sustainability

Start of the project

The NIOZ-NMF fleet comprised of the ocean-going ship RV Pelagia, the coastal vessel RV Navicula, and the inland vessel RV Stern of which the last two were distinct for their operational capability in shallow water. The ships were all ageing and reaching the end of their economic and technical lifespan. In order to facilitate continued marine research, the vessels were in urgent need for replacement.

For this reason, in June 2018, investment plans for fleet replacement were submitted to the NWO executive board. These plans have been drawn up in consultation with all (prospective) users and stakeholders of the fleet on a national level. Mainly universities, scientific organizations as well as representatives of the maritime industries and the NIOZ organization. Subsequently NWO-NIOZ established a Taskforce Fleet Replacement which has been tasked with the preparation of an outline specification. In this document all the pre-requisites, requirements and possible research modes were specified. After approval, this documentation formed the main pillar to the concept design which has been drawn up for each vessel. Finally, the concept design documentation was completed with a building specification. The entire documentation package was used for the tender process with prospective builders. In the summer of 2022 RV Adriaen Coenen replaced RV Stern as the first new ship of the fleet. RV Wim Wolff, the replacement of RV Navicula was built by Thecla Bodewes Shipyard, and has been delivered in 2024. The construction of RV Anna Weber-van Bosse started in October 2023, at Armon Shipyards in Vigo. She will replace the RV Pelagia at the end of 2025.