Fugro and Damen have teamed up to provide the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) with a surveillance vessel and operating crew. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has contracted this new partnership to enhance its marine security and surveillance capabilities.
The RNLN will deploy the surveillance vessel to conduct security operations within the Netherlands’ North Sea exclusive economic zone (EEZ), both above and below the water. Using advanced technology like uncrewed vehicles, it will enable the RNLN to monitor vessel activities in the North Sea and survey critical underwater infrastructure, such as cables and pipelines.
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Two-year charter for FCS 5009
Fugro and Damen have established a joint venture to deliver the vessel and crew for a two-year charter, with an option to extend twice for another year (four years total). The charter agreement, awarded through a public tender, is set to begin in the first half of 2025.
The vessel that will perform the charter is a Damen FCS (Fast Crew Supplier) 5009, which offers unparalleled seakeeping abilities through its Sea Axe bow design, which was developed together with the Delft University of Technology.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence expects to expand the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet with two new multi-purpose support vessels in 2027. These will take over the patrol duties of the chartered ship.
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State ship
The chartered vessel will also escort and monitor non-NATO ships. This will free up the naval vessels of the watch for other tasks. The deployment of the ship is important because of the increased threat. The Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) has been warning for several years that Russia is covertly surveying vital infrastructure in the North Sea. The vessel is also expected to patrol during the NATO summit in The Hague.
Because of the chosen hiring arrangement, the ship is legally a government vessel carrying out a government task. This allows the so-called “state ship” to detect, escort, escort and monitor, but not to use force. The ship is not part of the naval fleet and will have a civilian crew.
If necessary, it will be supplemented by navy military personnel. The composition varies per deployment. If required, it is possible to scale up. Then the “ship of state” can call on Navy ships or other Defence units.
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Protecting strategic interests
‘We are very proud of this alliance with Fugro and the confidence the Ministry of Defence has placed in us for executing this important contract,’ says Arnout Damen, CEO of the Damen Shipyards Group. ‘The Damen way of working means we can deliver a vessel quickly and, with Fugro, we can start work at short notice to monitor and protect the strategic interests of the Netherlands in the North Sea.’
Mark Heine, CEO Fugro: ‘At Fugro, our mission is to create a safe and liveable world. Keeping our underwater infrastructure in the North Sea safe is integral to this, and by working together with Damen and the RNLN, we can contribute to national security and surveillance efforts. We have previously showcased our experience in monitoring critical underwater infrastructure to the Dutch Ministry of Defence and look forward to continuing to work with them.’
Heine adds: ‘We are also excited to work with Damen on this. Damen has a long history of providing vessels to the RNLN and Fugro. By joining forces, we’re showcasing the innovative strength of the Dutch maritime industry.’
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North Sea Infrastructure Protection Programme
This project has been funded by the North Sea Infrastructure Protection Programme (PBNI) coordinated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Picture: FCS 5009 DSS Galatea (photo by the Damen Shipyards Group).
