RV Wim Wolff constantly underway for first six months

Research vessel RV Wim Wolff has been operational for more than six months now. The vessel was almost constantly underway until late November, conducting scientific research in the Wadden Sea and along the coast of Zeeland. But skipper Bram Feij feels that he’ll need at least two seasons to really get to know the vessel. “That would be the case even without so many buttons.”

Complex ship

When a Wadden sea research vessel like the former NV Navicula is replaced by a larger ship, it presents new challenges for the crew. “For us, sailing aboard the Wim Wolff requires more effort, and the technology on board demands more of our attention in addition to the work on deck”, explains National Research Fleet Captain Bram Feij. “It’s a complex ship, with all kinds of systems that the Navicula didn’t have.” Feij and his shipmates therefore appreciate how well the first season went, from the vessel’s delivery in mid-June until late November.

Technologies for more efficient Wadden Sea research

Feij had been looking forward to working aboard the Wim Wolff, because of all the technologies it offers. “The new vessel is not only equipped with an A-frame, but also an aluminium frame on the side with a CTD winch for taking water samples. We also have a steel deck crane to load and unload containers ourselves. Before, we had to rent a crane locally, which often meant that we had to wait until the next day.”

Several changes contribute to making Wadden Sea research more efficient. Feij: “The deck is much larger, so the Wim Wolff can carry two 20-foot containers or four 10-foot containers. The Navicula could only carry half that many. And when we sail to Zeeland, we can carry all of the equipment we need, instead of having to change the containers there. We also carry six rubber boats instead of four, so we can potentially take more samples simultaneously in the shallowest parts of the Wadden Sea. All of that means more researchers can work aboard as well. And we can carry more passengers and crew: 16, instead of the 11 that fit aboard the Navicula.”

Higher standards

Contemporary standards for science and comfort also required the Wim Wolff to be larger than its predecessor. “We naturally aim to comply with the most up-to-date equipment standards, such as computers for data processing and internet access. We also have all kinds of systems to comply with legislation and regulations, for example on how to handle waste water and ballast water. The times we live in also require more space for showers and sleeping accommodations.”

But the aspect of ‘his’ Wim Wolff that Feij is most proud of is its sustainability. “We’re extremely clean. We use HVO as fuel: hydrotreated vegetable oil made from used fryer oil. We can also allocate our energy consumption optimally thanks to our diesel-electric propulsion system: we can store any extra electricity generated in our batteries, so we can use it later. It’s great to be able to lead the way in the maritime sector.”

Maintenance season

After the first season at sea, the Wim Wolff has now begun its first maintenance season. “That’s an ongoing process”, Feij explains. And the crew is already making changes to the layout after the first six months underway. “We want to keep optimising some things. For example, we’re looking for ways to create more space aboard, both above and below decks. So we’ll be able to look forward to another wonderful sailing season in 2025.”