Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has christened the new Sea Ranger Service ship SRS Janet Taylor in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with over 300 maritime sector, government, conservation and social financing representatives in attendance. The new-built offshore work vessel is unique in aiding decarbonisation of the offshore industry, as emission can be reduced by up to 90% for light offshore work. The ship was constructed in collaboration with 15 shipbuilding partners and marks a milestone in the ongoing growth of the Sea Ranger Service.
Designed for the future
With its dual-mast setup, the SRS Janet Taylor is designed for ease of handling, offering new Sea Rangers real-world experience in key maritime operations. Whether navigating the seas, monitoring shipwrecks, conducting hydrographic surveys, or carrying out critical ocean sampling, the vessel serves as an exceptional training platform, in addition to delivering offshore contracted work for the Sea Ranger Service.
Built from steel for resilience yet optimised for sailing performance, the 30-ton vessel is engineered to cover vast distances under sail, reducing its emission output – a fundamental goal of the Sea Ranger Service.
“This ship embodies everything the Sea Ranger Service stands for,” said Wietse van der Werf, Founder, CEO of the Sea Ranger Service. “It’s about equipping the next generation with the skills and experience to protect our oceans while upholding a legacy of maritime innovation and excellence.”
A royal christening and a historic legacy
This important milestone for the Sea Ranger Service not only marks the launch of the new Sea Ranger ship but also honours the legacy of a pioneering woman in maritime history.
Janet Taylor was a 19th-century British mathematician, astronomer, and navigation expert whose work revolutionised maritime navigation. Her innovations improved safety for seafarers and at a time when few women had access to scientific fields, she excelled in developing navigational instruments, writing extensively on celestial navigation and training seafarers in the art of safe passage. Her contributions remain invaluable to maritime science today, making her the perfect namesake for the newest ship.
A new journey for Sea Rangers
For the newly recruited Sea Rangers, the SRS Janet Taylor represents the beginning of an incredible journey. “Sailing on this ship is an honour,” said Cariad Margetson. “Knowing that we are learning and working on a vessel named after such a remarkable woman makes this experience even more meaningful.”
Speaking during the event Carola Schouten, Mayor of Rotterdam said: “”Today is a day filled with joy – a moment where many beautiful elements converge. At its heart is the christening of a new ship, both a centerpiece and a powerful symbol. Because this is no ordinary vessel: it represents a bold promise for a more sustainable future – for people and for the planet. From the keel to the mast, it is already infused with determination, vision, and the dreams of those who brought it to life.”
As the SRS Janet Taylor sets sail, she carries with her the spirit of discovery, resilience, and progress – values that both Janet Taylor herself and the Sea Ranger Service hold dear. With every nautical mile, the ship will not only contribute to ocean conservation but also inspire future generations to follow in Janet Taylor’s groundbreaking footsteps.
