12 RIBs ordered to replace Dutch rescue boats

The 11 RIBs will be built to the Chaterina D-class design created by Stormer Shipyard, working with crews of the Atlantic 75 class, which KNRM says have played an important part in coming up with the first prototype. It has already had extensive sea trials, KNRM says, before a number of ’optimisations’ will be carried out and the remaining 11 vessels will be built.

The €2.7 million needed to pay for the boats will come from legacies and donors, KNRM says.

Chaterina D-Class is 7.5m long with room for three crew members and 12 rescued people. It has two Yamaha 115hp engines to give it a speed of at least 32 knots.

The boats will be delivered at an average of two a year, with the first expected next January and February.

They will be sent to work at the rescue stations around the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, North Sea, the Grevelingen and the Wadden area.

”We are proud that the KNRM has entrusted Stormer with the construction of the 11 follow-up boats of the Chaterina D-class and we will do everything we can to make it a success together with all those involved in the KNRM,” said Richard Gramser, one of the founders and commercial director of Stormer.