HMS Groningen departed from Curaçao on 28 June for Venezuela to deliver emergency aid following the earthquakes in the country. The naval vessel was loaded in Curaçao with supplies including food, water and relief goods. The ship arrived there the same day.
HNLMS Groningen is an ocean-going patrol vessel (OPV) of the Holland class. This type of patrol vessel can be deployed for a wide range of tasks within anti-piracy missions, counter-narcotics operations and coastguard duties. They can also transport relief supplies and take evacuees on board. Also on board are an NH90 helicopter and two FRISC (fast response vessels).
The ship carries a supply of water on board and can produce additional drinking water using its water purification system. The crew of HNLMS Groningen are ready to provide emergency assistance on the spot, in coordination with the Venezuelan authorities and the United Nations.
Also read: Netherlands sends frigate to Strait of Hormuz
Activities in the Caribbean
The Ministry of Defence’s Caribbean Task Force is on standby throughout the year to provide emergency aid in the region at the request of the local authorities. This is particularly important during the hurricane season. HNLMS Groningen has been in the Caribbean since early June and has been deployed for various maritime security tasks such as surveillance, law enforcement, emergency aid and combating illegal activities such as drug smuggling.
Picture: HNLMS Groningen is being resupplied from the quay in the evening (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Also read: Dutch MoD deploys additional ship for military transport
