Lauwersoog, 7 January 2026 – In wintry conditions, the new fast ferry m.s. Hiddeborg was officially christened on 7 January at Next Generation Shipyards. The vessel, built for Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten, was ceremonially christened by Afke Boven, journalist and presenter at NOS, who, as a native of Ameland, has had a close connection from an early age with the transport link between the island and the mainland. The Hiddeborg has been designed for operation on the fast ferry service between Holwert and Ameland and represents a significant investment in a reliable and future-proof connection for island residents, commuters and other travellers.
Design and technical particulars
The vessel has been specifically developed for the unique conditions of the Wadden Sea and is characterised by:
- Capacity: accommodation for 75 passengers, enabling the vessel to carry significantly more passengers than the current fast ferry service.
- Shallow draught: with a draught of approximately 80 centimetres, the vessel is ideally suited to the shallow waters of the Wadden Sea area, improving operability during periods of low water.
- Propulsion: the vessel is equipped with three engines and three Hamilton LTX waterjets, providing excellent manoeuvrability, safety and reliability.
- Environment and efficiency: thanks to its efficient design and waterjet propulsion, fuel consumption per crossing is lower than that of the current fast ferry.
- Comfort and accessibility: passengers benefit from increased luggage space, USB-C charging points at the seats and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.
With these technical features, the Hiddeborg responds to the growing demand for a reliable and comfortable fast ferry connection and to the challenges of operating in the Wadden Sea area.
Significance and cooperation
Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten and Next Generation Shipyards worked together with various subcontractors from the northern Netherlands, resulting not only in a high-quality vessel but also in a positive contribution to the regional economy and employment.
The name Hiddeborg refers to the Ameland seafarer Hidde Dirks Kat, creating a link between past, present and future.
Next Generation Shipyards congratulates Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten and wishes everyone travelling aboard the Hiddeborg many safe and comfortable crossings.
