Damen Naval has selected Alfa Laval Benelux to supply systems for the next generation of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates, which will serve the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Navy.
This development follows Damen Naval's contract win in June 2023 to design and construct four ASW frigates—two for each nation.
Alfa Laval Benelux is set to deliver skid-built fuel oil separators, capable of handling various fuel types, and a cleaning table for the separator components.
The contract also encompasses the provision of the Oily Bilge Water Separator (PureBilge), a fully automated centrifugal system designed for efficient oily water cleaning at sea.
This system will be delivered skid-built with interconnecting pipes and electrical cabling.
Integrated Logistic Support components are also included in the contract.
Alfa Laval Marine Division head Benelux David van Luijtelaar said: “Today our separators serve over 50% of the marine industry, handling both traditional and new fuels, but also lube oil, waste oil, bilge water, crankcase gas and scrubber water.
“Marine customers turn to us for application leadership, performance and reliability while our global service network is what they count on for parts and peace of mind.”
The ASW frigates, featuring hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, are engineered to operate with reduced noise levels to prevent submarine detection.
They will be equipped with advanced sensors specifically for submarine detection, replacing the current Karel Doorman Class multipurpose frigates.
Damen Naval Corporate Strategy & Innovation director Richard Keulen said: “This project is unique because we are building identical frigates for two different NATO partners. Projects such as these are crucial for the Dutch naval shipbuilding industry, and we want to make sure to involve as many Dutch suppliers as possible.”
In September 2024, the Netherlands government announced an increase in the national Defence budget.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence presented the Defence Whitepaper 2024, which disclosed plans to order additional frigates, signalling further potential collaborations between Damen Naval and Alfa Laval.
Damen Naval and Alfa Laval are also collaborating on the Combat Support Ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy and the F126 frigates for the German Navy.
