After an intensive modification programme, the Zr.Ms. Zeeleeuw was the first of the four Dutch Walrus Class submarines to be relaunched.
On 13 May 2013, the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) officially contracted Imtech Marine Netherlands for the Life Extension Programme of the Walrus Class, initiated to extend the operational life of the submarines from 25 to 35-40 years.
Operational Requirements
To execute the Life Extension Program as required on a limited budget, a list of operational requirements was formulated. The essential items to meet these requirements were:
- Replacement of the Combat Management System including the Operator consoles
- Concentration of all Sonar processing in a Sonar suite
- An Optronic sensor to replace the navigation periscope
- Addition of a SHF SATCOM high data rate COMMS(NEC)
- The implementation of Electronic Maps (WECDIS)
- Introduction of the MK48 7AT capabilities (upgrade existing MK 48)
- Replacement of the Weapon Interface Unit (including FC for the MK48 torpedo)
Since 2013, approximately 110-150 people have worked on the large-scale maintenance of the first submarine. After some delay after workers found asbestos, the relaunch of the Zr.Ms. Zeeleeuw took place on 3 December, which is now ready to be commissioned. The next milestone will take place in March 2016 when the next submarine will be ready to be launched: the Zr.Ms. Dolfijn.
Read more about this extensive modification programme in SWZ Maritime's September and October issues, available online for subscribers through our Digital Magazine page.
