VESSEL REVIEW | WM1 2502 – Electric inland passenger transport for Royal Netherlands Navy
Dutch builder Alumax Boats has handed over a new support vessel to the Royal Netherlands Navy.
WM1 2502 will be used for personnel transport, police support, and towing duties. She will be operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
The boat is one of two multifunctional aluminium vessels ordered under a contract awarded in September 2024. The pair will operate on the inland waters of Amsterdam and the IJsselmeer, with the Marine Establishment Amsterdam serving as home port.
The newbuild has a length of 14 metres (46 feet), a beam of 3.5 metres (11 feet), and space for up to 11 passengers and two crewmembers. A height of only 1.7 metres (5.6 feet) will enable the boat to pass safely underneath low-hanging bridges.
Capable of secondary emergency response functions
Alumax has described the vessel as being constructed entirely from aluminium and developed specifically for the Marine Establishment Amsterdam.
The navy has classified the boat as a "director's vessel", though her role extends beyond serving as an official transport.
In addition to carrying personnel including VIPs, the vessel will serve as a training platform, assist water police units, carry secured individuals, and tow or shift pontoons and other craft.
The wheelhouse features upward-facing windows to provide the helm operator with enhanced situational awareness. Passenger seating is available in the main cabin as well as outside near the stern.
Additional helm station ensuring greater operational flexibility
A secondary helm station installed outside just aft of the main cabin can be used instead of the main helm station for safer manoeuvring along high-traffic routes, particularly during periods of clear weather.
Propulsion for the boat is provided by a 90kWh lithium battery bank connected to two 20kW Transfluid/Bellmarine electric motors. This arrangement gives the vessel the redundancy and low-speed manoeuvrability needed for towing and pontoon-handling duties on confined urban waterways in addition to ensuring low noise during navigation.
Alumax said the fully electric configuration was chosen in line with national and local policies encouraging zero local emission vessels.
The electronics include an Em-trak class A AIS. The main cabin also features a toilet.
