Queen Máxima of the Netherlands christened the new Dutch ocean research vessel RV Anna Weber-van Bosse on 12 March in Texel. The nearly 80-metre ship, operated by the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), is considered by researchers to be one of the most advanced research vessels in the world.
The vessel is expected to significantly advance research into climate change, ocean currents and biodiversity. It is equipped with advanced sensors, satellite communications and facilities for underwater robotics. Scientists will be able to work with autonomous underwater drones, drifting measuring robots and, in the future, a remotely operated submersible.
According to marine geologist Gert‑Jan Reichart, who was closely involved in the vessel’s scientific outfitting, the new ship represents a major leap forward for ocean research. ‘The difference with the previous vessel is enormous. With integrated sensors and real-time data connections, we can track ocean processes much more accurately.’
SWZ|Maritime’s March issue, coming online next week, features an extensive ship report on the Anna Weber-Van Bosse. Don’t miss it and subscribe to our magazine today!
Also read: NIOZ getting ready for new research vessel
Larger and operations worldwide
The RV Anna Weber-van Bosse can operate worldwide, from tropical waters to the edge of Arctic ice. This will enable researchers to study changes in ocean currents, melting sea ice and the absorption of CO2 by the oceans, which currently take up about one-third of human-generated CO₂ emissions.
The vessel can accommodate around thirty scientists, almost twice as many as the previous Dutch ocean research vessel RV Pelagia, which is being replaced after 35 years of service.
Also read: NIOZ acquires underwater robot for research fleet
Crucial scientific infrastructure
According to NIOZ director Prof.Dr. Han Dolman, the vessel arrives at a crucial time for ocean research: ‘Changes in the ocean affect our climate, nature and ultimately our society. With this ship, scientists gain a powerful tool to better understand these changes.’
Prof.Dr. Marcel Levi, chairman of Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), added that the Netherlands has a long tradition of exploration at and in the sea. ‘With this new research vessel, scientists will be able to make new discoveries for decades to come. And not just the researchers at NIOZ, but everyone that is researching the sea. An example of how important scientific infrastructure is!’
Also read: VIDEO: NIOZ research vessel Anna Weber-van Bosse launched
Renewed Dutch research fleet
With the arrival of the RV Anna Weber-van Bosse, the Dutch research fleet has been fully renewed. Together with the RV Wim Wolff for coastal research and the RV Adriaen Coenen for research in the Wadden Sea, the Dutch marine research community now has three modern vessels for current and future generations of sea researchers.
The latest and largest vessel is named after marine biologist Anna Weber‑van Bosse (1852–1942), an expert on algae and the first woman in history to take part in an ocean expedition as a scientific staff member. She participated in the Siboga Expedition in the waters of the former Dutch East Indies.
Picture (top): Queen Máxima christens NIOZ’ new high-tech research vessel (photo Evalien Weterings).
Also read: NIOZ christens RV Wim Wolff
