Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research

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Research vessels

For seagoing research on the shallow waters of the Wadden Sea NIOZ operates two ships: the RV Navicula and the RV Stern. The Wadden pontoon De Richel is a mobile bird observatory. In spring the pontoon is hauled to De Richel, a sandbank in the Wadden Sea, near Vlieland, where it remains until late autumn. More information on NIOZ's research vessels and fleet renewal on National Marine Facilities (NMF).

RV Navicula

Research vessel | RV Navicula provides a dry and a wet lab and has space on deck for a laboratory container and offers space for up to eight passengers.

RV Stern

Research vessel | RV Stern is equipped for day trips and is mainly used for transporting people and goods to and from the different research sites in the Wadden Sea.

The Richel

Wadden pontoon | The Richel is extremely well suited for bird watching and accommodates up to four persons. In spring the pontoon is hauled to a sandbank.