Lauwersoog, August 2026 – Giving an existing vessel a whole new lease of life. That is exactly what is happening at Next Generation Shiprepair in Lauwersoog. Commissioned by Groningen Seaports, the former Rijkswaterstaat vessel De Riepel is being transformed into the fully electric hydrographic survey vessel Havenschap 2. The project is a great example of what modern shipbuilding is increasingly about: not only building new vessels, but also making existing ones more sustainable in smart and practical ways and preparing them for the future.
A vessel with a new purpose
The Riepel was built in 1991 and has a long history as a workboat. Groningen Seaports acquired the vessel as the successor to Port Authority 1. It is now undergoing a major refit at Next Generation Shiprepair. The existing propulsion system is being replaced with an electric system, while the vessel is being equipped with modern systems for hydrographic surveying, dredging and other operations in the port area. The vessel is also being technically upgraded for its future role as a sustainable workboat for Groningen Seaports.
Craftsmanship and innovation
A refit of this kind requires more than technical expertise alone. When modernising an existing vessel, careful consideration must be given to the existing structure, available space and the integration of new systems and equipment. It is precisely this combination of traditional shipbuilding craftsmanship and modern technology that is one of Next Generation Shiprepair’s key strengths. The shipyard in Lauwersoog works on a wide range of commercial vessels and has developed into a specialist in newbuilds, conversions and maintenance. With projects such as Havenschap 2, the shipyard demonstrates that sustainability and reuse can go hand in hand.
Working together towards greater sustainability
For Groningen Seaports, the conversion to electric propulsion is part of its ongoing efforts to make port operations more sustainable. For Next Generation Shiprepair, the project represents a concrete contribution to this ambition. By reusing an existing vessel and upgrading it with modern technology, its service life is significantly extended. At the same time, the conversion creates a vessel equipped to meet the changing demands of the maritime sector. The contract for the conversion was officially awarded to Next Generation Shiprepair in 2026.
Ready for the future
At the workshop in Lauwersoog, Havenschap 2 is gradually taking shape in its new form: from a former Rijkswaterstaat vessel to a fully electric hydrographic survey vessel serving the ports of Groningen.
The project highlights what Next Generation Shiprepair stands for: smart shipbuilding, practical craftsmanship and innovation that makes a difference in everyday operations.
