Mid-2026, the Netherlands Coast Guard fleet will be expanded with the Enforcer, a Damen Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 5009. This vessel will be deployed in the years ahead to ensure the continuity of general coastguard duties in the North Sea.
The duties of the Coast Guard have expanded in recent years. The Rijksrederij has therefore issued instructions for the charter of the Enforcer. The Rijksrederij manages and charters vessels for government organisations, including the Netherlands Coast Guard.
With this modern vessel, the Coast Guard will maintain its capability to supervise, provide assistance and contribute to safety in the North Sea. The Enforcer will provide additional support until the new generation of Coast Guard ships goes into operation.
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Multraship ownership
The Enforcer will be owned by Multraship, which will therefore also be responsible for the vessel’s nautical crew and maintenance. The vessel will be under the operational command of the Netherlands Coast Guard.
‘We are very proud that the Coast Guard and Rijkswaterstaat/Rijksrederij have selected us for this work as well,’ says Leendert Muller, general manager of the internationally operating family business of Multraship. ‘ It ties in well with our present alliance and we are happy to make our contribution to safety in the North Sea.’
Multraship is already supplying the Rijksrederij with three Emergency Response and Towing Vessels (ERTVs). These vessels are used for emergency towage operations and general coast guard duties. The addition of the Enforcer builds on this successful alliance between government and maritime partners.
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Axe Bow
Thanks in part to the Axe Bow developed by Damen and Delft University of Technology, the vessel has a top speed of 27 knots (some 50 kilometres an hour). In addition, the Enforcer has two high-speed tenders for inspections and enforcement at sea. The ship also has a towing system and a fire extinguishing installation.
Picture: Impression of Enforcer (image by Damen Shipyards Group).
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