The Royal Dutch Rescue Society (KNRM) has commissioned the construction of twelve new lifeboats. Never before in the 200-year history of the KNRM has such a large assignment been given. The boats will be built at two Dutch shipyards from 2026. The construction involves an investment of approximately 20 million euros. All lifeboats are funded from various donations, legacies and contributions from donors to the KNRM. The name of the lifeboat also comes from the donor who donated most of the construction costs.
The contract for the construction of the lifeboats has been awarded to two shipyards, which have been building and maintaining lifeboats for the KNRM for many years. They are Dok en Scheepsbouw Woudsend B.V. in Woudsend and Habbeké Shipyard B.V. in Hoorn. These yards have already been commissioned for eight of these Van Wijkklasse lifeboats, four of which are still under construction. The new assignment is a follow-up to this.
The twelve lifeboats to be built are a further development of the existing lifeboat class (Valentijn class) of 10 and 11 meters, which the KNRM has had in its fleet since 1990. The oldest lifeboats, with their almost 30 years, are in need of replacement. These so-called rigid-inflatable-boats (RIB, inflatable boats with fixed hulls) are praised by the lifeguards who sail them for their seaworthiness. The lifeboats powered by HamiltonJet’s twin HTX30 waterjets with full AVX systems. have a top speed of 60 km/h, can be used in all weather conditions and can tip over on their own after a capsize.
Traditionally, lifeboats are given a name by the KNRM that is determined by the donor or testator who donated the construction costs or left them to the KNRM in a will. Six of the twelve new lifeboats to be built have now been named. It is expected that the other six will also have a proud namesake in the coming years.
The twelve lifeboats are intended for lifeboats in Wijk aan Zee, Zandvoort, Harlingen, Enkhuizen, Cadzand, Hansweert, Urk, Terschelling, Westkapelle, Ter Heijde and Noordwijk. Plus one lifeboat for the reserve fleet, which is used as a replacement for the maintenance of a ship.
