MBT HrMs oceanographic research vessel "Tydeman" A906 (1976) - Construction drawing Scale 1 : 100 (10.11.037)

General Information

• Name: Hr.Ms. Tydeman (A906)

• Type: Oceanographic Research Vessel

• Hull number: A906

• Commissioned: 1976

• Decommissioned: 2004

• Named after: Vice-Admiral Gustaaf Frederik Tydeman, a 19th-century Dutch naval officer and hydrographer

Construction and Design

Built by: Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde, Vlissingen

Launched: 1975

Commissioned: 1976

Displacement: approx. 2,800 tonnes (fully loaded)

Length: approx. 90 metres

Width: approx. 14 metres

Draught: approx. 5 metres

Propulsion: Diesel-electric

Speed: approx. 15 knots

Crew: Approximately 60 people (including scientists)

Tasks and Capabilities

The Hr.Ms. Tydeman was specially built for oceanographic and hydrographic research and was, at the time, one of the most advanced Dutch research vessels. The ship was used for:

Seabed mapping

Collection of meteorological and hydrological data

Geological and geophysical research

Supporting scientific and military missions

The ship was equipped with:

Laboratories for various scientific disciplines

Sonar systems

Sampling equipment (such as CTD, drilling systems)

A helicopter deck (but no hangar)

Operational History

The Tydeman carried out numerous missions in the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and sometimes further afield, in support of both civilian scientific research and naval operations.

The ship played an important role in mapping parts of the continental shelf and in military-related research, such as environments for submarine detection.

After its naval service

After being decommissioned in 2004, the ship was sold and converted for civilian use. Under various names and owners, it remained active as a research vessel or in support of the offshore industry.

Specifications: