The Defence Materiel Organization of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) has received the third of four Holland-class oceangoing patrol vessels (OPV), Friesland (P842), from Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS).
The Royal Netherlands Navy awarded the contract to DSNS to build four patrol vessels, with an estimated to cost $687.9m, in December 2007.
Friesland will undergo extensive testing and work-up programme while the Thales-designed Integrated Mast Module (IMM) will be installed in early 2014.
The 108m-long Friesland patrol ship has a width of 16m, a draught of 4.55m, and a displacement capacity of 3,750t with a range of 5,000nm while cruising at a top speed of 21.5kt.
The patrol vessel is integrated with a combined electric or diesel (CODELOD) propulsion system, two MAN 12V28/33 diesel engines rated at 5,400kW and automated systems, including a shore support and management system, calamity system, warning system and monitoring system.
The new patrol ship has been designed for international law enforcement and security missions that include combating piracy and counter-drugs operations.
The Holland-class vessel offers landing facilities for a NH-90 helicopter and features a 76mm Oto-Melara gun, a rapid-fire 30mm gun and two 12.7mm Hitrole machine guns.
Capable of accommodating a crew of 50, the four patrol ships are equipped with radars, communication and optical sensors, remote-control systems and weapons and will replace the four M-frigates currently in service with the Dutch Navy.
The navy has already received two Holland-class vessels, the Holland and Zeeland, while the fourth vessel, Groningen, is currently under construction.
Groningen is scheduled to complete sea acceptance trials by the end of April 2012, following which it will undergo final outfitting of certain systems and components at DSNS’ yard.
Image: The front view of the new Holland-class oceangoing patrol vessel, Friesland for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Photo: Ministry of Defence.
