‘Batavia’ maintenance

On 19 September 2026, the Batavia – a 56-metre replica of the original 17th-century vessel of the same name, arrived at Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm). Here, the vessel was lowered into a bespoke steel cradle, constructed by sister company Niron Staal. This unique construction enabled the vessel to be brought ashore, where she is displayed at the Batavialand Museum.

The vessel was constructed between 1985 and 1995 by Willem Vos using traditional techniques, tools and materials. The project had a strong social element, providing young people with an opportunity to learn traditional woodworking and shipbuilding techniques.

Batavia returns to DSAm

While the vessel was constructed in Lelystad, the water was too shallow for her to be launched on site. Due to this, the Batavia was brought to DSAm, where, on 10 April 1995, she was launched from the 250 x 39-metre Dock 4 with its 8-metre draught.

It is from this very same dock that the vessel was brought to be lowered into her cradle. The bespoke cradle, designed and fabricated by Niron Staal, consists of 90 tonnes of steel. With the steelwork completed, Museum Batavialand then added timber to the cradle in order to provide the vessel with a cushioned landing.

Special docking

In preparation for the vessel’s arrival, DSAm lifted the cradle onto a transport pontoon, which was then submerged in Dock 4. At this point, the Batavia was towed into the dock and positioned above the cradle. The dock was then pumped dry, allowing the vessel to be lowered slowly and safely into the cradle. With the Batavia in place, DSAm pumped dry the ballast tanks of the pontoon and refilled the dock, refloating the pontoon, with the vessel in her cradle.

The Batavia was towed back to Lelystad, arriving on 1 October. On 2 October, she was brought ashore and placed in her new position on shore with SPMTs.

Maritime heritage for future generations

DSAm Commercial Manager Paul van de Craats said, “With the Batavia being launched here in 1995, she has a special place in the hearts of our colleagues – myself included. We are very proud to be able to play our part in helping to preserve this unique piece of Dutch maritime heritage.

“When he constructed the vessel, Willem Vos not only brought a Dutch Golden Age ship back to life, he also provided an opportunity for scores of young people to learn the traditional arts of shipbuilding and woodworking. This vision is closely aligned with our own. Today, DSAm, with its in-house educational programmes, aims to provide a new generation of young people with the opportunity to develop the skills they will require for a successful career in ship repair, thereby helping to preserve our vital maritime industry for the future.”