The 646-ton wooden tanker Batavia from the Netherlands was transferred to the Batavialand Museum in Lelystad on October 2, 2023, after a heavy and complex operation. This transfer was conducted due to the historical significance and the need for better preservation of the ship.
Details of the Transfer Operation
The transfer of this 56.6-meter-long ship was carried out approximately 250 meters from a pontoon to the Markermeer dyke and then to its permanent foundation at the Batavialand Museum. This operation involved 10 months of planning and engineering and utilized 56 axle lines for transportation. This high number of self-propelled axles was necessary to reduce deviation at the base of the ship and prevent damage to its wooden hull, which is over 30 years old.
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Challenges of the Route and Ship Maintenance
The route for transferring the ship included a special ramp located on the Markermeer dyke, with the surrounding land at a lower level than sea level. Engineers carefully examined the 250-meter route, assessing ground pressures, underground services, and infrastructure conditions. To facilitate the operation, street signs and light poles were temporarily removed.
Upon reaching the final position, the ship was transferred onto a concrete foundation using a jack system. The ship is now positioned over 8 meters higher than its previous location, and this action was taken to improve the preservation of the wood and facilitate future repairs. The ship is set to be introduced as a main element of the Batavialand Museum, which is under reconstruction, and it is expected that this museum will reopen by the end of 2028.
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