A computer-generated view of the Dutch navy’s future Holland-class patrol frigate, whose keel was laid Dec. 8. (Damen Schelde photo)
Keel for First Patrol Ship Laid Down
(Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence; issued Dec. 8, 2008)
(Issued in Dutch only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)
The Royal Netherlands Navy is to receive four brand new patrol ships which, among other missions, can be used to combat rising piracy at sea.
The keel of the first unit, Holland, was laid down today at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding at Ritthem, near Vlissingen.
In the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Defence and of the shipyard, State Secretary Jack de Vries welded an old coin to the keel section, in a tradition dating back to the eighteenth century. This centuries-old ritual is intended to bring good luck to the shiop and its crew.
The Holland is due to be christened in January 2010, and will be commissioned into the navy in May 2011. 
The following three patrol ships will also be named for Dutch coastal provinces, namely Zeeland, Friesland and Groningen. Their keels will be laid in September 2009, October 2009 and April 2010, respectively.
The purchase of the vessels is related to the Navy blueprint of 2005. According to this document, the emphasis of naval operations has been moved to coastal waters, a consequence of the changing global security situation and of new threats such as terrorism and piracy.
These reasons convinced the Ministry of Defence to procure four new patrol ships for tasks lower in the threat spectrum, such as anti-piracy, naval surveillance and inspections, and anti-narcotics operations.
The Holland-class ships are 108 meters long, will be manned by a 50-man crew and will be able to reach a top speed of twenty knots. (ends)
Construction of First Patrol Vessel Begins
(Source: Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding; issued Dec. 9, 2008)
State Secretary for Defence Jack de Vries laid down the keel of the first patrol vessel for the Royal Netherlands Navy in the dock of Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding on Monday, 8th December.
During the official act, the State Secretary welded an old Dutch duit (traditional Dutch coin) to the very first part of the vessel. At the keel-laying of this first of class, the names of the four patrol vessels were also announced: Holland, Zeeland, Friesland and Groningen.
In the “Navy Study 2005”, the foundation was laid for the new fleet of the Royal Netherlands Navy. On account of a new world view and new threats such as terrorism and an increase in piracy, the emphasis was placed on operations in littoral waters.
A decision was taken to purchase four patrol vessels specifically for tasks in conflicts of lower intensity, such as monitoring shipping (including boarding operations) and carrying out patrol duties.
The Royal Netherlands Navy previously sold six relatively heavily armed multipurpose frigates.
The new vessels will measure 108 metres in length and will displace approximately 3750 tons. They offer hangar space and landing facilities for one NH-90 helicopter or equivalent types. Their armament will consist of one 76 mm Oto-Melara gun, one rapid-fire gun and two Hitrole machine guns. The weapons will all have full remote control. Thanks to the state-of-the-art integrated sensor and communication technology in the mast, detection and tracking of high- and low-altitude air targets, fast boats, periscopes, mines and even swimmers will be possible.
The first two patrol vessels are to be built at the shipyard of Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen, with a number of sections being supplied by the Damen shipyard in Galati.
Major parts of the third and fourth vessels are to be built at the Damen shipyard in Galati under the supervision of Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding.
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