From Police blue to Rijkswaterstaat yellow: a Marimecs design still serving Dutch waterways
P34 at trials in 2002 and now the RWS 26
Blue becomes yellow
In 2001, Marimecs developed a series of Fast Patrol Vessels for the Dutch Police. Designed for speed, manoeuvrability and reliability, the vessels were built to support patrol, surveillance and enforcement tasks across the Netherlands’ extensive network of inland waterways. The first vessel of the series was constructed by De Geuns Shipyard in Leeuwarden.
Today, at least two vessels from that original series remain in operation. While their appearance has changed from police blue-and-white to the familiar yellow colour of Rijkswaterstaat, their mission remains remarkably similar. The former police vessels now serve as RWS 20 and RWS 26, supporting waterway supervision and enforcement activities on behalf of Rijkswaterstaat.
New livery for the Fast Patrol Vessels
The shift
Their transition reflects a broader shift in the organisation of waterborne enforcement in the Netherlands. Over the years, many routine patrol, monitoring and supervisory responsibilities have gradually moved from the police to Rijkswaterstaat. As a result, vessels originally designed for police operations found a natural second career within the Rijksrederij fleet.
The patrol vessels measure 13.56 metres in length and 3.85 metres in beam, with a shallow draft of just 0.80 metres. Powered by twin 410 hp Lombardini engines, they were designed to operate efficiently in a wide variety of waterways while maintaining excellent manoeuvrability.
A strong validation
“Durability was a major focus throughout the design process,” says Jos Wiersma, Senior Engineer at Marimecs and a member of the original design team. “The vessels were designed for intensive operational use and had to meet a range of demanding requirements, including deployment during incidents involving hazardous substances. This resulted in several adaptations, including modifications to the ventilation system. Another important decision was the move from a single-engine concept to a twin-engine configuration, providing the manoeuvrability required for patrol operations. Seeing these vessels still actively serving Dutch waterways more than two decades later is a strong validation of those design choices.”.
Future proof
For Marimecs, the continued service of RWS 20 and RWS 26 demonstrates that good naval architecture is about more than meeting today’s requirements. It is about creating vessels with the flexibility and durability to remain relevant long after they leave the drawing board.
P34 at trials in 2002 and now the RWS 26
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Photos of the RWS 20 by J. Roeland
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