Dutch Navy modernizing support, hydrographic ships

The Netherlands defense ministry has awarded Dutch shipbuilder Damen a contract for the refit and upgrades of three Royal Netherlands Navy ships.

As part of the midlife upkeep (MLU) contract, Damen Shipyards Den Helder will modernize support ship HNLMS Pelikaan, along with hydrographic survey vessels HNLMS Snellius and HNLMS Luymes.

The scope of work that the Damen yard will perform will include equipping the vessels with new hull plating, renewal of radars and communications equipment and maintenance of the ship’s systems, along with regular maintenance.

“We are very proud to accept this new contract together with our subcontractors, and are confident that the ships will be delivered in time,” Jelle Loosman, managing director of Damen Shipyards Den Helder, said.

Damen will begin work on the project later this year and expects to complete it in 2021. Work will be distributed between Damen Shipyards Den Helder and Damen Shiprepair Harlingen.

The Royal Netherlands Navy uses the hydrographic survey vessels to chart the sea bottom. The Hydrographic Service uses this information, amongst other things, to produce nautical charts and other navigational publications. Damen will replace all the vessels’ underwater sensors to enable the vessels to perform their tasks efficiently in the coming years.

HNLMS Pelikaan is the logistic support ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy in the Caribbean. She is used for transportation and emergency assistance. This will be the first time the vessel returns to the Netherlands since her commissioning in 2006.