National Research Fleet

The facility 

The National Research Fleet of the Netherlands consists of three research vessels. It is part of the National Marine Facilities (NMF), a division of NIOZ, that maintains and operates research ships and seagoing equipment. Furthermore, NMF provides qualified operational support personnel in order to provide access to the facilities for researchers working in the Netherlands. 
 

RV Anna Weber-van Bosse

RV Anna Weber-van Bosse  is the newest ship of the NIOZ NMF research fleet—an 80-meter state-of-the-art research vessel was delivered to the NIOZ in early 2026. Powered by a diesel-hybrid propulsion system and equipped with solar panels for renewable energy generation, the vessel is methanol-ready for future low-carbon operations and features Ice Class 1C certification enabling year-round scientific expeditions to high latitudes and near ice-edge regions. Named after pioneering marine biologist Anna Weber-van Bosse (1852–1942), who specialized in algae studies, the ship accommodates up to 47 people (maximum capacity)—and carries advanced scientific instrumentation for seafloor mapping and bathymetric surveys, water column and circulation studies, precision underwater positioning systems, a retractable keel allowing close-to-bottom operations for seabed sampling, and flexible containerised laboratory modules supporting multiple simultaneous disciplines from biological and chemical oceanography to physical oceanography and geology. 

RV Wim Wolff

RV Wim Wolff is a 37m long vessel specifically designed for the Wadden Sea, Delta, and near-coastal North Sea operations. The design prioritized the strong ambition to make the vessel greener and, in view of the intended shallow waters in which the vessel will travel, to stay within the limits of the maximum dimensions and draught. RV Wim Wolff has four crew members and can accommodate up to twelve scientists in six cabins. The ship has two permanent laboratories and large deck space.  

RV Adriaen Coenen 

RV Adriaen Coenen is the smallest vessel in the fleet. She operates around NIOZ and is mainly used for transporting scientists and samples between the NIOZ and the research areas in the Wadden Sea such as the Balgzand and the bird observatory at the island of Griend. 

The current positions of the ships of the research fleet can be found at mfphub.global.

Research topics 

Ocean Research (Ocean Chemistry and Biogeochemistry, Microbiology, Physical Oceanography); Coastal Research (Wadden Sea, Delta, North Sea, Birds) 

Running period 

2000 - undetermined 

Equipment 

The equipment and technical specification of the different research vessels can be found on the NIOZ website: 

Research vessels

Seagoing equipment

Conditions for access 

More information about access to the National Research Fleet can be found on the NWO website: Application for ship-time.