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Tydeman class AGS

HNLMS Tydeman was designed specifically for ocean survey work.as well as scientific work she can be used for military operations or hired for civilian research organisations. she is used by the Hydrographic Service of the Royal Netherlands navy to chart the sea and meteorology. Hydrography and oceanographic surveying is a responsibility of the RNLN. The information from the surveys is used for producing Admiralty charts and nautical publications which have a world-wide sale and are used by ships of many nations.

Hr. Ms. Tydeman was built for Ice conditions. To reach these ice-conditions she has a strengthened bow and stern. The hull is thicker and the whole construction on the waterline of the vessel is reinforced by using extra frames. Where the normal frame spacing is 65cm, there are on the bow-line and stern also frames in between so there the frame spacing is approx 30cm. Because Hr. Ms. Tydeman was built to do surveys she has a special six blade bronze propeller, the shape of the propeller made Hr. Ms. Tydeman a very silent ship.

As of 2001 the surveying Flotilla consisted of an ocean-going ship, the HNLMS Tydeman and an coastal vessel, the HNLMS Buyskes. Both these ships were be replaced when two new 75 meter long vessels (the HNLMS “Snellius” and the “Luymes”) enter service. These ships operational roles and principal operational tasks involve support to mine-countermeasures and amphibious operations, and the provision of Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) to maritime component and joint forces. REA delivers tactical advantage to the commander, enabling him to exploit environmental conditions and minimise adverse effects. Routine tasks include military hydrographical, meteorological, oceanographic and geophysical data gathering in support of tailored products for submarine, surface and air operations and in collaborative programmes with Allies.

As of 2001 it was was anticipated that the Tydeman class AGS would be decommissioned by the end of 2003, as the second unit of a new class of AGS entered service. In fact, the Tydeman decommissioned 03 June 2004. The ship, built in 1976, had been in service for the Royal Dutch Navv as an Oceanographic Research Vessel until 2004 and had been laid up since then.

At the beginning of 2007, the Dutch cruise operator Oceanwlde Expeditions acquired the Hr. Ms. Tydeman from the Dutch government. Oceanwide Expeditions saw potential in the vessel and prepared for an extensive refit which started in August 2007. The Tydeman's Ice class 10 hull and the engine room were conserved, but the entire interior and all systems were stripped. The existing superstructure was extended. The vessel IS deliberately not bUilt as a very luxurious ship, but more as a rugged explorer for adventurous travellers. The intenors are modern, but do not detract the attention from the scenery seen through the windows. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a 114-passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v "Plancius" is classed by Lloyd's Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.