Successful launch of second MPV 30 Waddenstroom for Rijkswaterstaat A year ago, Rijkswaterstaat awarded an international tender to the Bijlsma Wartena shipyard for the construction of three sustainable multi-purpose vessels. The Frisian shipyard’s innovative ideas satisfied most of Rijkswaterstaat’s requests, especially those for efficient and sustainable operations. The vessels will be operated by the Rijksrederij, both on inland waterways and the open sea. Each of the vessels is energy-efficient, and have extremely low CO2 emissions. Sustainable operations In their speeches, Rijksrederij Fleet Replacement and Maintenance Project Manager Mart de Goffau, Chief Engineer and Director of Sea and Delta Theo van de Gazelle, and Bijlsma Wartena’s General Director Tjeerd Wiebe Bijlsma’s all emphasised the importance of sustainable propulsion. After the official ceremony, the Waddenstroom slid off of the slip to enthusiastic applause. Sustainable, efficient and innovative The Waddenstroom’s construction incorporated the latest development in ship design, as Bijlsma’s in-house design for the MPV30 is exceptionally sustainable. The hydrodynamic form of the hull generates little resistance as it moves through the water. The MPV 30 is equipped with EST-Floattech High Energy batteries that provide power for day-to-day activities. The generators are only activated when the batteries need to be recharged. With the efficiency meter in the wheelhouse, the crew know exactly how to operate the vessel with maximum efficiency. Solar panels on the boat generate power for the crew accommodations, and the residual heat from the engines is used for the vessel’s heating installation. This gives the MPV30s exceptionally low energy consumption and CO2 emissions. With its rotating propulsion pods underneath the boat, the MPV30 can sail in two directions at once, allowing it to maintain its position and perform tasks such as marking the shipping channel, patrolling, and conducting measurements and surveys, regardless of the height of the waves. The first MPV30, the Merwestroom, was successfully launched on 16 March of this year. The third MPV30 is scheduled to launch later this year. Source: https://www.est-floattech.com/waddenstroom/