Construction RV Wim Wolff

The design brief for the RV Wim Wolff, was presented in 2018 to the NWO Executive Board.  This was put together based on the NIOZ strategic plan, the agendas of the NIOZ Coastal Systems department and Estuarine and Delta Systems department. An inventory of the relevant and technically possible functional requirements of all conceivable Dutch stakeholders was also retrieved. The design prioritized the strong ambition to make the vessel greener and, in view of the intended shallow waters in which the vessel sails, to stay within the limits of the maximum dimensions and draught. 

 

Proudly presenting RV Wim Wolff

Milestones

Contract signing

In January 2021 the NWO-I Foundation Board approved the tendering for the research vessel RV Wim Wolff. After a careful selection process, Thecla Bodewes Shipyards in the north of the Netherlands was chosen to construct the vessel. Shortly after they started with the construction process.

3 mannen en 1 vrouw achter een grote ronde tafel ondertekenen papieren van een contract

Contract siging for RV Wim Wolff at Thecla Bodewes Shipyards in Harlingen (photo: NIOZ)

Keel laying

On 9 November 2021, the festive keel laying of the RV Wim Wolff, took place at N. Dijkstra Metaalbewerking in Harlingen. Tradition has it that a coin is welded onto the keel beam 'for good luck'. Under the watchful eye of many guests, this operation was performed by Bram Fey, future skipper of RV Wim Wolff.

Een man in een gele jas kijkt naar een man in blauwe werkkleding die een munt vasthoudt die op een aluminium plaat is bevestigd

Laying the coin in the keel during the festive keel laying in Harlingen (Photo: NIOZ)

Launch

On 16 January 2023 the hull of RV Wim Wolff was launched for the first time. It was transported through the water from Dijkstra Metaalbewerking to Thecla Bodewes Shipyards in Harlingen. On 26 September 2023 a second launch took place. The ship was then towed to Kampen for the final construction in Kampen. 

Timelaps of the launch of 26 September 2023

Christening

On 15 February 2024, RV Wim Wolff was christened in the harbor of the NIOZ on Texel. The christening was performed by Wim's five-year-old granddaughter Charly Wolff, assisted by Caroline Visser, board member of NWO, the Dutch Research Council.

Vrouw en kind houden een gekleurd lint vast voor de doop van het onderzoeksschip Wim Wolff.

Baptize of RV Wim Wolff by Caroline Visser and Charly Wolff (photo: NIOZ, Evalien Weterings)