OOSTERSCHELDE

OOSTERSCHELDE (IMO: 5347221) sailing under the Netherlands flag. It has an overall length of 161 feets and a beam of 23 feets.

Vessel Identification

• MMSI: 246011000
• IMO: 5347221
• Call Sign: PGNP
• Flag State: Netherlands
• Vessel Type: Sailing Vessel / Three-Masted Topsail Schooner
• Status: Active

Specifications

• Built: 1891
• Length: 49.5 m
• Beam: 7.5 m
• Gross Tonnage: 456 GT
• Net Tonnage: 137 NT
• Displacement: Approximately 650 tonnes

Propulsion

• Propulsion Type: Sail / Auxiliary Diesel Engine
• Masts: 3 (Three-masted topsail schooner rig)
• Sail Area: Approximately 800 m²
• Auxiliary Engine: Diesel auxiliary engine for maneuvering and backup propulsion

Shipyard

• Builder: Rijkwerf (Dutch Royal Shipyard)
• Year of Construction: 1891
• Construction Location: Netherlands
• Original Purpose: Cargo vessel / Freighter

Owner / Operator

• Owner: Stichting Kamper Kogge / Operated under Dutch maritime heritage management
• Operator: Oosterschelde Sailing Ship Foundation (Stichting Driemaster Oosterschelde)
• Home Port: Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Management: Operated as a traditionally rigged sailing vessel for voyages and maritime heritage purposes

Navigation / Communications Equipment

• AIS: Class A Transponder
• MMSI Registered: 246011000
• Radio: VHF Marine Radio installed
• Navigation: Standard commercial navigation suite including GPS and radar systems

Operating Region

• Primary Region: North Atlantic, European waters
• International Voyages: Yes — the vessel conducts ocean passages including transatlantic voyages
• Ports of Call: Rotterdam (home port), various European, Atlantic, and international ports
• Participation: Tall Ships Races and international maritime events

Vessel Description

Oosterschelde is a three-masted topsail schooner built in 1891, making her one of the oldest surviving sailing cargo vessels in the world and a recognized Dutch national maritime monument. Originally constructed for commercial cargo trade, she operated extensively throughout European and international waters during the age of sail. Following decades of service and subsequent periods of disuse, she underwent an extensive restoration in the 1990s, returning her to seaworthy condition while preserving her historical character and original design.

Today, Oosterschelde operates as a sail training and expedition vessel, offering voyages to passengers, trainees, and maritime enthusiasts. She regularly participates in Tall Ships events and undertakes ambitious ocean passages, including transatlantic routes. Her preservation is considered a significant contribution to Dutch and global maritime heritage, and she is regarded as one of the finest examples of a restored working sailing vessel still in active operation. The vessel is maintained to current maritime safety standards while retaining the authentic character of her original construction.