Holland Class OPV
Holland Class offshore patrol
vessels (OPV’s) were built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding for the Royal
Netherlands Navy. The series of four
OPVs are named after Dutch coastal provinces.
HrMs Holland (P840)
HrMs Zealand
(P841)
HrMs Friesland
(P842)
HrMs Groningen (P843)
The Royal Netherlands Navy will
deploy the OPV’s in the Caribbean and the North Sea. The OPV’s can support international task
forces in anti-piracy missions, counter-drug operations and block ships in coastal
areas during crises.
The OPV’s have a broad platform
to provide stability in marine seas. Its stealthy design incorporates
innovative techniques to reduce radar reflectivity. The body is built with
thick steel, which has a lower tensile strength. It is heavier than the steel
used for frigates and can resist the impact of small-calibre weapons.
The hull is stretched and the
bridge and superstructure are placed aft wards, to help optimise the sea
keeping capabilities of the OPV’s. The speed is cut down to reduce fuel
consumption and increase the range of the vessels. Two rigid-hulled inflatable
boats (RHIBs) and one NH-90 helicopter are also carried to support interception
operations.
The OPV’s can accommodate 50 ship
crew members and up to 40 non-listed persons, including a helicopter
detachment, law enforcement detachment (LED), a platoon of marines or a medical
team. Approximately 100 evacuees can also be boarded. These vessels can also carry out emergency
missions.
The OPV’s can sail at a speed 21.5kt.
Its maximum range is 5,000nm. Total
displacement is 3750 tonnes.
The project is estimated to cost
€467.8m (with each mast alone costing €30m).
The OPV’s were built between 2008 and 2012.
Friesland is seen here arriving at Leith without her mast..
She was escorted by the Forth Ports tugs Fidra and Seal Carr
