Last updated: October 2, 2026
Status: The Batavia is on land
We did it! The Batavia is now in its new location on land at Museum Batavialand. On Friday, October 2, the 56.6-meter-long ship was driven from the pontoon to the museum grounds. This marks the completion of a remarkable and technically complex relocation.
After 31 years in dry dock, a new phase is now beginning for the Batavia. On land, we can better protect the wooden ship, let it dry, and perform more targeted maintenance. This way, we ensure that the Batavia will be preserved for future generations. We hope that visitors will be able to come aboard again in early 2027.
What has happened in recent weeks?
The relocation began on September 19. That was when the Batavia set sail from Lelystad for the last time. With its masts still in place, she was towed across the Markermeer and the IJ to Amsterdam.
At Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam, the Batavia entered the dry dock. There, the ship was carefully placed on a specially designed steel support structure. This so-called “chair” supports the wooden hull during transport and at its new location.
On October 1, the journey back to Lelystad began. This time, the Batavia was secured in her steel cradle on a pontoon. A day later, the final phase of the operation took place: using a special computer-controlled transport vehicle, the ship was driven off the pontoon and moved to her new location.
And now she’s there. On land, in Lelystad.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Relocation of the Batavia
The Batavia is in a fragile condition and requires major maintenance. On land, the wood can dry more effectively, the ship can be better protected from the elements, and maintenance can be carried out more effectively. This will ensure that the Batavia is preserved for future generations.
The Batavia will first be towed from Lelystad to Amsterdam. During the tow, the ship will remain afloat and its masts will remain in place. In Amsterdam, the Batavia will be placed on a specially designed steel support structure. The ship will then return to Lelystad on a pontoon. There, it will be transported from the pontoon to its new location using a computer-controlled transport vehicle, an SPMT.
The Batavia will be relocated right next to the Batavialand Museum. The ship will be placed on a concrete foundation there, more than eight meters higher than at its current location.
The Batavia is 56.6 meters long, 10.5 meters wide, and 30.5 meters high, including the masts. Without ballast, the ship weighs approximately 646 metric tons. The specially designed steel support structure on which the ship will rest weighs another 87 metric tons.
Yes. The relocation is the first visible step in the large-scale renovation of Museum Batavialand. Soon, the ship, the shipyard, and the exhibitions will all be brought together in one location. The renovated Museum Batavialand is expected to open in late 2028.
After the ship is placed on land, maintenance work will be carried out first. The Batavia will also be prepared as quickly as possible so that it can safely welcome visitors again. It is not yet known exactly when the ship will be open to visitors again. As soon as we have more information, we will post it on this page.
The relocation of the Batavia is a major operation involving collaboration among various clients and specialized companies.
Clients include:
Museum Batavialand
City of Lelystad
Province of Flevoland
Cultural Heritage Agency of theNetherlands
Implementing partners include:
Damen Shiprepair: work in the dry dock and placement of the Batavia in the steel support structure
Trans Global Projects: project management
Koninklijke Van der Wees: Tugboat transport between Lelystad and Amsterdam and use of the barge
FaraFlash: Determining the dimensions and weight of the Batavia and the basic design of the support structure
Kuperus & Gardenier: inspection of dimensions and weight, and advice on the ship’s structural framework and vulnerable areas
Q3 Heavy Lift: design of the support structure and transport using SPMTs, including driving it off the pontoon, jacking it up, and placing it on the foundation
Anton Construction and Concrete Engineering: Construction of the Concrete Foundation
Niron Staal: construction of the steel support structure that will house the Batavia.
Halyard Risk: assesses, on behalf of the insurer, the risks associated with the transport, hoisting, and safe landing of the Batavia, and reports its findings to the insurer.
We understand that many people would like to experience these special moments. Whether and where the public will be allowed to attend the departure for Amsterdam and the return to Lelystad will be announced at a later date. This depends on the final schedule, safety considerations, and the circumstances surrounding the operation.
As soon as more information is available regarding times, locations, and ways to follow the flight, we will share it on this page and through our other channels.
