The new utility vessel for the province of Groningen, and the first fully electric utility vessel in the Netherlands – the PW 18 – was christened last week.
The official ceremony took place on Thursday 14 March and was carried out at the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard by mrs. Fleur Gräper-van Koolwijk (deputy province of Groningen). The vessel replaces the current 46-year old ship, which was built by the same shipyard.
First Fully Electrically Powered Utility Vessel
This new utility vessel is a Groningen scoop. It is the first green, fully electrically powered utility vessel in the Netherlands. The installation of a battery pack on a utility ship of such a size and capacity is unique. In addition, the ship possesses the latest technical developments in the field of sustainability, such as energy saving, use of residual heat, the use of sustainable wood and paint types and a silent electric motor.
Made in Groningen
Various subcontractors and suppliers from the Groningen maritime cluster were involved in the construction, engineering, supply of steel, parts of the engine room, navigation equipment and rescue equipment.
Monitoring, Enforcement, Events and Supervision
The province of Groningen manages approximately 143 km of waterways. The utility vessel is used for monitoring and enforcement, for events and for supervising special transports by water in Groningen and the north of the Netherlands.
