The Dutch Ministry of Defence is significantly expanding its maritime transport capabilities by gaining access to three Lift-on/Lift-off (LoLo) vessels. The Ministry signed a multi-year charter agreement to this effect with shipping company Wagenborg on 20 April.
The three LoLo vessels are part of a pool of nineteen similar ships. Each can carry at least 500 containers, with additional space for equipment such as vehicles and helicopters. Cargo is loaded and unloaded using onboard cranes.
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Available on demand
The vessels will enable Defence to transport equipment by sea more quickly and flexibly. They are available on demand and can be deployed within a few weeks.
With this contract, together with an earlier agreement for Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels, Defence now has sufficient capacity for the maritime transport and support of units. This is important for large-scale operations as well as missions and exercises abroad.
Picture: Wagenborg LoLo vessel (photo by Dutch Ministry of Defence).
