The Sea Ranger Service
The Sea Ranger Service is a Dutch organisation that provides maritime training, employment and coaching opportunities to young people in coastal areas, whilst simultaneously delivering offshore services to assist governments with the management, conservation and restoration of oceans. It was established in 2016 by Dutch environmental conservationist and social entrepreneur Wietse van der Werf, who is now its CEO.
The Sea Ranger Service has trained over 200 young people since 2018, many of whom have gone on to full-time jobs in the maritime sector. One of the organisation’s most significant initiatives is seagrass restoration, linking efforts across six European countries.
SRS Janet Taylor ship christening by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Photographer: The Sea Ranger Service/Beeldmaat
A new chapter at sea: Sea Ranger Service launches new vessel SRS Janet Taylor to support youth training and ocean conservation
On a sunny day in April this year in Rotterdam, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands christened the newest Sea Ranger Service vessel, the SRS Janet Taylor, in front of over 300 attendees from across the maritime, conservation, and public sectors. It was a proud moment for everyone involved – and one that signals a significant step forward in sustainable ocean conservation and youth development.
SRS Janet Taylor ship christening by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Photographer: The Sea Ranger Service/Beeldmaat
Designed for impact
The SRS Janet Taylor is a new offshore work vessel that has been built in collaboration with over 15 shipbuilding partners. It is designed to deliver results at sea while reducing its environmental impact. With a dual-mast setup optimised for sailing and a steel construction built to last, the vessel can reduce emissions by up to 90% during light offshore operations. It’s a practical response to growing calls for decarbonisation in the maritime sector.
“This ship embodies everything the Sea Ranger Service stands for,” said Wietse van der Werf. “It’s about equipping the next generation with the skills and experience to protect our oceans.”
SRS Janet Taylor ship during its christening event. Photographer: The Sea Ranger Service/Anniek Pos
A training platform for the next generation
The vessel’s design is not only functional but also educational. Onboard the SRS Janet Taylor, newly recruited Sea Rangers receive hands-on experience in a variety of maritime tasks – from ocean sampling and hydrographic surveying to shipwreck monitoring and sail operations. The vessel offers a practical and challenging learning environment that supports the Sea Ranger Service’s wider goal of preparing young people for maritime and environmental careers.
“Sailing on this ship is an honour,” said Cariad Margetson, a current Sea Ranger. “Knowing that we are learning and working on a vessel named after such a remarkable woman makes this experience even more meaningful.”
SRS Janet Taylor ship during its christening event. Photographer: The Sea Ranger Service/Anniek Pos
Honouring a maritime pioneer
The ship is named after Janet Taylor, a 19th-century British mathematician and navigation expert. At a time when few women had access to scientific fields, she developed navigation tools, published extensively on celestial navigation, and trained seafarers. Her legacy of innovation and resilience makes her a fitting namesake for a vessel that represents both environmental progress and youth empowerment.
Janet Taylor, 19th-century British mathematician and navigation expert
A symbol of optimism
The Mayor of Rotterdam, Carola Schouten, reflected on the broader meaning of the event in her speech during the christening of the vessel:
“This is no ordinary vessel: it represents a bold promise for a more sustainable future – for people and for the planet. From the keel to the mast, it is already infused with determination, vision, and the dreams of those who brought it to life.”
SRS Janet Taylor ship christening by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Photographer: The Sea Ranger Service/Beeldmaat
As the SRS Janet Taylor begins her first year of operations, she will embody the values of the Sea Ranger Service: practical action, skills development, and environmental stewardship. With each journey at sea, the vessel will help train the next generation and contribute to the protection of our oceans.
Sharing Conservation Optimism
On 5th September 2025, the Sea Ranger Service will take over Conservation Optimism’s social media platforms for a day, to share their stories of hope for a healthy and sustainable future.
