The Royal Netherlands Navy has awarded a contract to Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) to deliver a joint logistic support ship (JSS).
The new JSS will replace HNLMS Zuiderkruis, one of two navy replenishment ships.
JSS will serve as a robust multifunctional platform specifically designed for maritime support, strategic sea lift and sea basing missions in open ocean as well as in littoral waters.
The capabilities of JSS include replenishment at sea; storing, loading and unloading of supplies; transport of materiel and personnel; and extensive medical, technical and logistic support.
The 205m-long and 30m-wide JSS has a total displacement of 28,000t. It can accommodate a crew complement of up to 300 and can cruise at a maximum speed of 18kt.
The weapon suit of the ship features two Goalkeepers, two 30mm automatic guns and four automatic medium-calibre gun systems.
Construction work of the ship will be carried out at Damen Shipyard Galati as well as at DSNS’s premises in Vlissingen. The craft is expected to be delivered in July 2014.
