VOC Amsterdam

The VOC Amsterdam is a replica 18th century Dutch East India Vessel on display at the Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum) in Amsterdam. When the vessel underwent her 10-year scheduled maintenance she called upon the expertise of both of Damen’s yards in the Netherlands’ capital city.

VOC Amsterdam arrived at Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm) in September 2020. The yard quickly got stuck in, removing first her mast and riggings. Following this, an army of personnel were required to undertake the challenging work of removing her caulking.

The underwater parts of the vessel were cleaned and she was repainted in her striking colours.

Afterwards, in October, VOC Amsterdam moved on to Oranjewerf. Here, she underwent a floating maintenance scope, repairs were made to her upper hull and she was prepared for new stagging.

Oranjewerf has a long-standing relationship with the Scheepvaartmuseum, having undertaken the maintenance of icebreaker exhibit the Christian Brunnings for many years. The VOC Amsterdam was also launched and ballasted at the yard back in 1990.

Moving back to DSAm in March 2021, the vessel had her new masts and riggings installed before being towed back across the IJ to the Scheepvaart museum.

The VOC Amsterdam was built between 1985 and 1990 by volunteers using a combination of modern tools and those contemporary with the original vessel.

The original VOC Amsterdam was built in 1748. Setting sail for Jakarta form the island of Texel in January 1749, the ill-fated vessel was not to make her destination. Encountering inclement weather soon after disembarking, the vessel became waylaid in the English Channel.

Following the outbreak of an epidemic onboard, the crew began to mutiny. The whole series of unfortunate events came to a close on January 26th when the rudder broke away from the ship and the VOC Amsterdam became grounded off Hastings, where she is still visible today at low tides.