Security Vessel News Roundup | November 10 – Dutch canal patrol boats, US Navy hovercraft and more

The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) has marked the start of construction of the first of 13 new all-weather rescue boats with a keel-laying ceremony held recenrtly in Makkum.

Prins Johan Friso is the lead vessel of the series, which will comprise lifeboats each measuring more than 19 metres long. Dok and Scheepsbouw Woudsend is building the series, with initial hull sections of the first boat being assembled at Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw in Makkum.

KNRM ordered the 13 boats in November 2025 in what was the largest single shipyard order in its history.

Eleven boats will be assigned to stations at Eemshaven, Schiermonnikoog, Ameland, Terschelling, Vlieland, Den Helder, Scheveningen, Hoek van Holland, Stellendam, Neeltje Jans, and Breskens. The remaining two will form a reserve to cover for station boats withdrawn for maintenance.

Prins Johan Friso is one of the two reserve vessels.