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Ark of Noah Saved: Vandy Partners with Huibers, Secures Funding for Museum Ship

After failed auction, entrepreneur Vandy steps in to preserve the ark’s future and plans a journey to Israel.

In an unexpected turn of events, the future of the life-sized Noah’s Ark replication, built by Dutch creator Johan Huibers, has been secured. The ark, which had been up for auction, will now be preserved and prepared for a voyage to Israel, thanks to the intervention of entrepreneur Daniël Vandy and two anonymous investors.

Vandy announced on Friday that he will become a co-owner of the museum ship, alongside Huibers. A Dutch investor, described by Vandy as “a convinced Christian,” has provided an initial one million euro loan to help pay off Huibers’ debts. Additionally, an Israeli investor has pledged 3.5 million euros for the ark’s renovation and the journey to Israel. The Dutch investor has agreed to act as a guarantor until the Israeli investor’s funds are available.

Last Wednesday, the ark was put up for auction at Troostwijk Veilingen, where it failed to reach its minimum asking price of 465,000 euros, despite a highest bid of 465,000 euros.

Following the auction’s conclusion, Vandy met with Huibers to propose his plan, offering a price significantly higher than the auction’s highest bid. This not only satisfies Huibers’ debts but also ensures the ark’s preservation for its intended purpose. Other potential buyers had plans to dismantle the ark for various purposes, which Huibers was eager to avoid.

“We want to widespread awareness of the story of the Great Flood in Israel.” – Daniël Vandy, co-owner of the ark

Vandy initially expected a swift agreement, but the Dutch investor requested time to consider the complex nature of the project, having been immediately interested after hearing Vandy’s plan on a radio show. The investor announced their decision this past Friday.

With funds from the Dutch and Israeli investors, along with the 200,000 euros raised through Vandy’s crowdfunding campaign, the ark’s debts will first be paid off, followed by its renovation. Vandy and Huibers anticipate completing the renovation by April.

The ark, distinct from a smaller replica now serving as the Arkmuseum in Meppel, will then set sail from its current location in Krimpen aan den IJssel to Rotterdam, from where it will embark on a pilgrimage to Israel for Easter. Along the way, the ark will visit 20 ports, including England, Portugal, and Spain, to share its story. Its final destination is Tel Aviv, Israel, with an estimated arrival in January 2026.

Upon arrival, the ark will be opened to the public. Vandy and Huibers aim to use the ark as a unifying symbol, highlighting the shared ancestry of various peoples from the story of Noah’s Ark in Genesis. They will also collaborate with CBN, a Christian broadcast network, to showcase videos of other biblical stories in multiple languages on small TV screens throughout the ark.

“We look forward to all the meetings and encounters we will have with the ark.” – Daniël Vandy, co-owner of the ark

Before the ark’s arrival in Israel, Vandy and Huibers must complete several preparations, including installing an overhead canopy and air conditioning to accommodate the Israeli climate. Fortunately, many volunteers have already expressed their willingness to assist in the renovation efforts.

Vandy believes that “100 percent of God’s guidance” is reflected in the recent developments. After the auction’s costs reached nearly two million euros, they resisted bidding at the maximum price. Instead, they hoped for another opportunity to purchase the ark, which they now have. Additionally, Vandy is delighted to continue the project alongside Huibers, valuing his extensive knowledge and passion for the ark.