RV Anna Weber-van Bosse
At 80 metres long, the RV Anna Weber-van Bosse is the flagship of Dutch ocean research, combining sustainable design with spacious laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment. The vessel operates worldwide and can work near the edge of the sea ice edge in the Arctic and Antarctic, enabling it to meet the Dutch marine research community’s evolving needs. The ship can accommodate up to 47 passengers.
For more information about the RV Anna Weber-van Bosse, visit the NIOZ website
Queen Máxima christens new research vessel RV Anna Weber-van Bosse
On 12 March 2026, Queen Máxima christened the new Dutch ocean research vessel RV Anna Weber-van Bosse on the island of Texel. The nearly 80-metre vessel of the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) is considered by researchers to be one of the most advanced research vessels in the world and will enable a major step forward in research into climate change, ocean circulation and biodiversity.
RV Wim Wolff
The RV Wim Wolff is a 37-metre-long, innovative and sustainable research vessel added to the NIOZ fleet in 2024. The ship is suitable for research in the shallow waters of the Wadden Sea, the Southwest Delta, and the North Sea coastal region. It can accommodate up to sixteen passengers.
For more information about the RV Wim Wolff, visit the NIOZ website
RV Adriaen Coenen
The RV Adriaen Coenen sails between NIOZ on Texel and research areas in the Wadden Sea. The vessel is 19 metres long. Its special keel design allows it to pass shallow sections as the tide goes out, after which it settles on the tidal flats. The ship can accommodate up to twelve passengers.
For more information about the RV Adriaen Coenen, visit the NIOZ website
Marine research equipment
The NMF department maintains, develops and operates a wide range of marine science equipment in the Netherlands. Both unmanned and cable-operated equipment are available for ship-based research. Moorings and benthic landers can also be deployed for studies at specific depths or over extended periods. A variety of laboratory and workshop containers are available for research cruises, along with specialised, certified technical staff.
For more information about the available equipment visit the NIOZ website
Applying for ship-time
Researchers affiliated with a knowledge institution or private organisation can apply for ship time on the RV Adriaen Coenen, RV Wim Wolff, or RV Anna Weber‑van Bosse.
The National Marine Facilities (NMF) draws up a sailing schedule based on all submitted applications. The National Ship-Time Committee reviews the schedule, and either approves it or asks the NMF to make adjustments. The committee aims to allocate ship time efficiently, transparently, and fairly among users.
For more information about applying for ship-time visit the NWO website
More information
Would you like to find out more about the marine facilities at NIOZ? You can find more information about the institute, the research and the various facilities available to researchers at the NIOZ-website.