ROTTERDAM, 2 April 2025 – A new vessel supporting marine conservation and youth employment has been officially named in Rotterdam. Queen Máxima presided over the ceremony held on the Kop van Zuid.
Queen Máxima christens new Sea Ranger vessel in Rotterdam
Her Majesty Queen Máxima christened the SRS Janet Taylor in Rotterdam on 2 April 2025. The vessel is the latest addition to the Sea Ranger Service, a social enterprise focused on marine conservation and providing maritime training for young people. The event took place on the Kop van Zuid and was attended by approximately 300 guests, including former and current Sea Rangers, local dignitaries, and institutional partners.
Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten, Zuid-Holland deputy Arne Weverling, and Sea Ranger Service founder Wietse van der Werf were present at the ceremony. Following the christening, Queen Máxima spoke with Sea Rangers and partners about the organisation’s impact in both the environmental and social domains.
Queen Máxima christens Sea Ranger vessel in Rotterdam
Focus on biodiversity and training
The SRS Janet Taylor, named after the 19th-century British astronomer and navigator Janet Taylor (1804–1870), is the second vessel in the Sea Ranger Service fleet. It is intended to play a key role in the organisation’s long-term objective to restore biodiversity across 10,000 hectares of ocean while supporting 2,500 young people into maritime careers.
Young people between the ages of 18 and 29, often from coastal areas with limited opportunities, are trained on board as maritime professionals. After completing their training, they spend a year in paid employment conducting research, monitoring protected zones, and supporting marine restoration initiatives. The Sea Ranger Service currently operates across six countries.
The SRS Janet Taylor is a 30-tonne, 23-metre sailing work vessel that can accommodate four Sea Rangers and four professional crew members. It is the only Dutch sailing workship certified for offshore operations, equipped with up-to-date technology and classified for open sea travel.
Queen Máxima christens Sea Ranger vessel in Rotterdam
New partnerships with navy and port authority
In addition to launching its new vessel, the Sea Ranger Service has entered into a number of new partnership agreements. A five-year cooperation agreement has been signed with the Royal Netherlands Navy (Koninklijke Marine). The collaboration aims to jointly recruit young people and facilitate career progression from the Sea Ranger Service into roles within the Navy.
Commander Carolien Verberne, Director of Personnel and Organisation at the Royal Netherlands Navy, stated: “Our collaboration with the Sea Ranger Service offers a unique opportunity to develop young talent, explore sustainable maritime solutions and contribute to a future-proof naval sector.”
Furthermore, the Port of Rotterdam Authority (Havenbedrijf Rotterdam) has signed a framework agreement with the Sea Ranger Service. As part of this partnership, the organisation will carry out assignments to support the port’s transition towards climate neutrality.
René de Vries, (Rijks)harbourmaster at the Port of Rotterdam, commented: “The Sea Ranger Service creates impact for both young people and maritime services. Their distinctive approach to environmental sustainability resonates with our mission of building a sustainable port.”
Impact fund to support European growth
In a separate development, the Sea Ranger Service has announced the launch of a new impact fund in cooperation with Harry Wright, founder and CEO of the environmental consultancy Bright Tide. The fund will be used to finance the construction of three additional ships and provide operational capital for expansion within Europe.
Sea Ranger Service founder Wietse van der Werf remarked: “This vessel is not only a milestone in our mission, but also a recognition of our work over recent years. With the support of our partners and this new fund, we are positioned to scale our impact both socially and environmentally.”
