The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) has commissioned the construction of twelve new lifeboats. Never before in KNRM’s 200-year history has such a large order been placed. The boats will be built from 2026 at two Dutch shipyards.
The construction involves an investment of around EUR 20 million. All rescue boats will be paid for by various donations, inheritances and contributions from KNRM sponsors. The naming of the lifeboat also comes from the sponsor who donated most of the construction costs.
The contract to build the lifeboats was awarded to two shipyards, which have been building and maintaining lifeboats for KNRM for many years. They are Dok en Scheepsbouw Woudsend BV in Woudsend and Habbeké Shipyard BV in Hoorn. These yards were previously commissioned to build eight of Van Wijk-class lifeboats, four of which are still under construction. The new order involves the same class and is a follow-up to this.
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Proven seaworthy, self-righting model
The twelve lifeboats to be built are a further development of the existing 10- and 11-metre Valentijn lifeboat class, which KNRM has had in its fleet since 1990. At nearly thirty years old, the oldest lifeboats are due for replacement.
These so-called rigid inflatable boats (RIBs, rubber boats with fixed hulls) are praised for their seaworthiness by the rescuers who sail them. The lifeboats have a top speed of 60 km/hour, can be used in all weather conditions and can recover into an upright position on their own after capsizing.
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Naming from donations
Traditionally, KNRM lifeboats are given a name determined by the sponsor or testator who donated the construction costs or left them to KNRM by will. Six of the twelve new lifeboats have already been named. It is expected that the remaining six will also receive a proud namesake in the coming years.
The twelve lifeboats are destined for rescue stations in Wijk aan Zee, Zandvoort, Harlingen, Enkhuizen, Cadzand, Hansweert, Urk, Terschelling, Westkapelle, Ter Heijde and Noordwijk. Plus one lifeboat for the backup fleet, which is used as a replacement in case of maintenance of a vessel.
Picture (top): KNRM is building twelve new Van Wijk-class lifeboats at yards Dok en Scheepsbouw Woudsend and Habbeké Shipyard (photo by Remco Bohle).
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