Not your average support-vessel.
Learn more about the fascinating origin, impressive capabilities, and dedicated crew of Victory. From her roots as the KNRM rescue vessel Koningin Beatrix to her current role as a versatile offshore support and charter vessel, Victory combines rich history, top-notch performance, and a passionate team committed to delivering safe and professional service at sea.
Where it all began
1984
The Koningin Beatrix, initially stationed at Noordland, was the first of the large rigid-inflatable lifeboats, designed based on an English prototype. This lifeboat serves as a model for a completely new fleet of large, fast rescue boats over the next 25 years.
Christening by the Queen (1984)
On the third of April, 1984, in Rotterdam, Her Majesty christened the lifeboat bearing her name, "Koningin Beatrix". A special boat for the then Royal Netherlands Sea Regiment (KZHMRS). The Koningin Beatrix was the first large RIB lifeboat in the Netherlands. This lifeboat formed the basis for what we now know as the Johannes Frederik class and made it possible to arrive at the scene faster than ever before with a large boat.
1987
The Koningin Beatrix was involved in the relief effort surrounding the capsized ferry Herald of Free Enterprise on March 6, 1987, off the coast of Zeebrugge. Nearly 200 people died in the disaster.
In Memoriam: Herald of Free Enterprise (1987)
On 6 March 1987, the ferry Herald of Free Enterprise capsized off Zeebrugge. Throughout the night the Koningin Beatrix made multiple runs, transporting experts, doctors, divers, and oxygen cylinders, and three crew members boarded the stricken ferry to assist. The team helped with difficult recoveries and aided survivors who had been trapped for up to six hours, embodying the courage and capability that we can only strive to continue within our operations today.
1996
The Koningin Beatrix lifeboat was replaced by the slightly larger Graaf van Bylandt. The Koningin Beatrix was added to the reserve fleet and later moved to the Urk lifeboat station.
Retirement & Replacement of Koningin Beatrix
After more than two decades of dedicated service with the KNRM, the RIB lifeboat Koningin Beatrix—notably the first of the Johannes Frederik class—was due for an upgrade. In 1996, she was officially replaced by the larger and more advanced lifeboat Graaf van Bylandt. Following this change, the Koningin Beatrix was transferred to the KNRM reserve fleet and later reassigned to Station Urk
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A more significant upgrade came in 2008; after a total of 23 years the Koningin Beatrix was again replaced—this time by the lifeboat Kapiteins Hazewinkel.
2008
On February 10, 2008, the lifeboat "Kapiteins Hazewinkel" arrived at Urk station. After years of faithful service, the "Koningin Beatrix" was decommissioned and replaced by the former Hoek van Holland lifeboat.
What Happened Next?
After retiring from her KNRM rescue duties, Koningin Beatrix joined the Vletterlieden IJmuiden serving as a working vessel. There, in 2017, she received a major refit with new engines, waterjets, and electronics — ensuring she remained as capable as ever.
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For my father, owning a vessel like this was a childhood dream — the kind of dream that stayed with him for a lifetime. The Victory crossing our path, felt like more than a coincidence.
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We saw more than just a 41 year old vessel — we saw a chance to honor her remarkable past and write a new chapter. Today, the Victory saills again, with renewed purpose: a fast, versatile offshore vessel ready to serve in many roles, while carrying forward the spirit of rescue and reliability she was built on.
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For us, this vessel is more than steel and engines — she’s a symbol of passion, heritage, and destiny.​
Main Particulars
Download our Vessel Particulars brochure for full specifications, service details, and practical information about Victory in one convenient PDF.
Team
Victory Support is run by a fully certified father-and-son duo who share a passion for the sea. Together we combine family values, hands-on experience, and professionalism to deliver safe and reliable offshore services for every project.
