Holland
International Call Sign: Papa-Echo-Sierra-Kilo
Holland is an ocean-going tug which sailed for shipping company Doeksen from 1951-1976. From 1976 to 1998, the ship was chartered by the Department of Waterways and Public Ways. When in 1998 it was decided to demolish the ship, a foundation was started to maintain the ship. Since then the ship has been returned to original condition and it has since become a museum ship.
Before the war Doeksen had big plans. They therefore ordered a new tugboat in 1939, which would give the company a large increase in the total towing capacity. The new ship would have a 4400 hp powerplant and a cruising speed of 14 miles/h. The ship's name would be Holland II, but when the war broke out, the ships were requisitioned by the Dutch Navy , and later seized by the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) . The new ship was requisitioned and has therefore never been employed by shipping company Doeksen. Most ships had not survived the war, the fleet had to be rebuilt. Therefore, in 1950 it was decided to build a new ship, the Holland II. It was ordered from Ferus Smit Shipyards . On November 18, 1950, the keel was laid and the vessel was delivered on 29 December of the following year to the Doeksen shipping company. The ship was christened and Holland was a fact. After the war, however, salvage became an increasingly smaller share within the company. Therefore Holland was regularly used in passenger service. In winter, however, it was quiet in terms of tourism and thus the ship was again fully prepared for salvage. After 1960, the number of salvages continued to decrease, moreover, the vessel was not equipped with the most modern means: twin propellers and rudders, bow thrusters and a bigger engine. In 1974 received the Holland finally became a research vessel for the Department of Waterways and Public Ways.
In 1974 the ship was chartered to the government, the ship was still in possession of Doeksen. Because the ship had to do service as a research vessel she was remodeled. The towing winch and the bitt had to make way for a crane on the aft deck. Also, autopilot was installed on board and in 1990 the engine was operated from the wheelhouse and a bow-thruster was installed.
When she was to be scrapped in 1998, Willem Boot started a foundationto preserve the ship. With the help of Dutch companies, governments and institutions this was achieved. The foundation now seeks to restore Holland to her original condition and keep her sailing through museum operation. Today, the ship can be rented for business and private parties. She participates in 'Parades of Sail', receptions or birthday parties. Since 2006 Holland is an official wedding location for municipalities Harlingen and Terschelling. Also, a Holland supporters club was established. Donor Days are being held each year to which day-cruises are connected.
Holland's website
