The logistics support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman has set sail for Vlissingen for a major maintenance period. The ship will be placed in a Damen dry dock there for approximately eleven months for extensive technical maintenance and a number of modifications.
During the regular major maintenance, systems are checked, parts are replaced and improvements are made where necessary. This ensures the ship remains technically reliable and future-proof.
Over the coming months, specialists from Damen Shipyards and the Ministry of Defence will be working together in the dock at Vlissingen on maintenance and planned modifications. These include, for example, self-defence systems and modifications to sensors and cranes. This maintenance will ensure that HNLMS Karel Doorman remains operational to fulfil its important role within the fleet.
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Tasks of HNLMS Karel Doorman
The ship supports naval vessels at sea with fuel, ammunition and other supplies. It can transport large quantities of equipment, vehicles and personnel. It also serves as a floating base for helicopter operations and medical support.
The Ministry of Defence deploys the logistics support ship worldwide for NATO operations, international missions and humanitarian aid. In recent years, for example, the ship has been active in international maritime contexts and in operations to protect the safety of shipping. Thanks to the maintenance, HNLMS Karel Doorman will be able to continue performing these tasks in the coming years.
Picture: HNLMS Karel Doorman will undergo extensive maintenance for the next eleven months at Damen in Vlissingen (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
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