Damen Naval has selected ABB to supply its Onboard DC Grid integrated power and distribution system to the new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Frigates. The Vlissingen-based shipbuilder is building four state-of-the-art frigates, two for the Royal Netherlands Navy and two for the Belgian navy.
It is the second collaboration between Damen Naval and ABB; in early 2022, the Norwegian division of company was contracted for the F126 Frigate project for the German navy.
ABBs Onboard DC Grid is a versatile and flexible electrical distribution system. For the ASW Frigates, the system will include energy storage, transformers, motors and generators, and enables reduced emissions and an increased operational range. The system has been ruggedised for naval operations in harsh environments and conditions.
Joop Noordijk, ASWF project director at Damen Naval: ‘ABB’s Onboard DC Grid provides the operational efficiency and sustainability that the Dutch and Belgian navies demand from their new frigates.’
Also read: Heinen & Hopman contracted for Dutch/Belgian frigates
ASW Frigates
The ASW Frigates will replace the current generation of Karel Doorman-class Multipurpose frigates and can be deployed for multiple tasks. The emphasis will be on anti-submarine warfare, and they will be designed to sail as quietly as possible to avoid detection by submarines as much as possible.
The first ASW Frigate is expected to be delivered by Damen Naval in 2028.
Also read: Damen builds virtual reality version of Combat Support Ship
