The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) has commissioned the construction of thirteen new lifeboats, which will be built from 2026 by the Frisian shipyard Dok en Scheepsbouw Woudsend BV in Woudsend. These are all-weather lifeboats of over 19 metres — the largest lifeboat class operated by the KNRM.
Never before in the KNRM’s 201-year history has such a large order been placed. All lifeboats are funded through donations, legacies and contributions from KNRM sponsors. The name of each lifeboat is determined by the sponsor who donates the largest share of the construction costs.
‘We are extremely proud that, after a long and careful development process, we have been able to award this contract to a Dutch yard,’ says Jacob Tas, CEO of the KNRM. ‘This new series of lifeboats, incorporating all possible improvements and innovations, will ensure that we can save people and animals safely and reliably under all conditions — now and especially in the future.’
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Further development of the Nh1816 class
After a careful tendering procedure, the construction contract was awarded to Dok en Scheepsbouw Woudsend BV, a yard that has built and maintained lifeboats for the KNRM for many years. The yard previously built ten lifeboats of the Van Wijk class, seven of which are still under construction. The new order concerns a 19-metre class.
The thirteen new lifeboats are a further development of the two existing all-weather lifeboat types: the Arie Visser class and the over 19-metre Nh1816 class. The Nh1816 has been in service since April 2014. The vessel was christened by Her Majesty Queen Máxima and was donated by the good-cause foundation of the insurance company Nh1816.
Until 2018, the Nh1816 was extensively tested in practice, after which the decision was made to reassess and further develop the design. Work on a successor began in 2021. What makes this unique is that naval architects from Gaastmeer Design BV and the research institute MARIN are working closely together with a delegation of volunteers from the lifeboat stations that will sail the new class.
Together, they ensured that the Nh1816-2 would become a lifeboat class that combines the best qualities of both the Nh1816 and the Arie Visser class. The Nh1816-2 class will have a top speed of 60 km/h, be deployable in all weather conditions, and be self-righting after a capsize.
Lifeboat stations
The thirteen lifeboats are designated for the stations in Eemshaven, Schiermonnikoog, Ameland, Terschelling, Vlieland, Den Helder, Scheveningen, Hoek van Holland, Stellendam, Neeltje Jans and Breskens, plus two vessels for the reserve fleet, which will replace operational boats during maintenance.
Remarkably, the name of the first vessel — a reserve boat — was announced on 11 October last year by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. This lifeboat will be named Prins Johan Friso, after the late brother of His Majesty and son of Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix, the patroness of the KNRM.
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Naming by donations
Traditionally, KNRM lifeboats are named by the donor or benefactor who contributes or bequeaths the construction costs. For nine of the thirteen new lifeboats, a name donor has already been found, for example, John van Doorn (founder of SAIL Amsterdam) and his wife are jointly donating the new Nh1816-2 for KNRM Ameland. It is expected that donors for the remaining four will also be found in the coming years.
KNRM to replace its 75 lifeboats by 2035
The KNRM operates 75 lifeboats along the coast, available day and night for emergencies at sea and on major inland waterways. The lifeboats range in length from 5 to over 19 metres. Some vessels can even operate in wind force 12 conditions. They must therefore meet the highest standards and remain in top condition.
A large part of the current fleet dates from 1991 and after. Although the vessels are well maintained and safe for volunteers, maintenance costs are rising and the risk of equipment failure is increasing. Since the start of the fleet renewal programme in 2021, all 75 lifeboats will be replaced by 2035.
The KNRM is a rescue organisation that depends entirely on the work of more than 1500 volunteers at 45 rescue stations, and on the voluntary contributions of more than 135,000 donors. The rescue service is free of charge and funded by gifts from private individuals, companies and foundations. The KNRM has been rescuing and assisting since 1824 without government subsidies, although it fulfils its role on behalf of the government and especially for everyone who gets into trouble on the water.
The full fleet renewal of 75 lifeboats up to 2035 will cost EUR 120 million. Nearly seventy per cent of this has already been pledged by donors and benefactors, but the organisation must still secure funding for the remaining thirty per cent. The KNRM is confident that donors will also be found for those vessels in the coming years.
Picture (top): Naval architects from Gaastmeer Design BV and researchers from the MARIN institute work closely with volunteers from rescue stations to ensure the Nh1816-2 becomes a class that combines the best features of the Nh1816 and the Arie Visser class (photo by Flying Focus).
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