Holland Class Patrol Vessels

The Holland Class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) are being built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding for the Royal Netherlands Navy. A series of four OPVs are named after the Dutch coastal provinces.

The keel for the first vessel, Hr Ms Holland (P840), was laid in December 2008. It was launched in February 2010. Keel for Hr. Ms. Zealand (P841) was laid in October 2009 and the vessel was launched in November 2010. The third vessel, Hr. Ms. Friesland (P842), was laid in November 2009 and the vessel was launched in November 2010. Keel for the last in the class, Hr. Ms. Groningen (P843), was laid in April 2010. All vessels will be commissioned during 2011-2013.

The Royal Netherlands Navy will deploy the OPVs in the Caribbean and the North Sea. The vessels can support international task forces in anti-piracy missions and block ships in coastal areas during crisis.

With the ability to carry supplies and over 100 people, the vessels can also carry out emergency missions.

Holland Class OPV design and features

The vessel has a broad platform to provide stability in marine seas. Its stealthy design incorporates innovative techniques to reduce radar reflectivity.

The body is built with thick steel, which has a lower tensile strength. It is heavier than the steel used for frigates and can resist the impact of small-calibre weapons.

The hull is stretched, and the bridge and superstructure are placed aftwards to optimise the seakeeping capabilities of the vessel. The speed is cut down to reduce fuel consumption and increase the range of the vessel. Two rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) are also carried to support interception operations.

The Holland Class is also equipped with CAMS-Force Vision integrated fire control system and two monitors for non-lethal protection and fire fighting. The OPV also features a gas citadel, explosion-resistant structures, redundant and decentralised systems.

The vessel is fitted with highly automated systems including a shore support and management system, calamity system, warning system and monitoring system.

The patrol vessel has an overall length of 108.4m, a width of 16m and a draught of 4.55m. Displacement of the vessel is 3,750t.

The OPV can accommodate 50 ship crew and up to 40 non-listed persons, including a helicopter detachment, a platoon of marines or a medical team. Approximately 100 evacuees can also be boarded. The ship can sail at a speed 21.5kt.

Holland Class OPV construction

In December 2007, the Royal Netherlands Navy signed a contract with Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, for the construction of four patrol vessels. The project is estimated to cost €467.8m. These ships are being built between 2008 and 2012.

OPV guns

The main gun is a 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid gun. It has a firing rate of 120 rounds a minute and a range of 16km. The vessel is also fitted with a 30mm Oto Melara Marlin WS gun, two 12.7mm Oto Melara Hitrole NT guns and two 12.7mm M2HB machine guns. The guns onboard can be remotely operated.

NH-90 helicopter

The patrol vessel has a fully-equipped hangar to support the operations of a NH-90 helicopter. The helicopter is equipped with homing torpedoes and a sensor system. The sonar and radar on the helicopter will allow it to make observations beyond the radar horizon of the OPV. Space is available under the helicopter to accommodate containers of relief supplies.

Holland Class OPV sensors

The OPV is the first vessel in the Royal Netherlands Navy to be fitted with Thales Integrated Sensor & Communication Systems (ISCS). The system integrates communication and optical sensors, RF systems and radars.

The sensor suite includes a Sea Master 400 air warning radar, a Watcher 100 active phased-array surface detection and tracking radar, a mine detection sonar, RADIAC sensors and an infrared Gatekeeper / electro-optical warning system. The OPV can make observations within a range of 140nm.

OPV propulsion

Equipped with a combined electric or diesel (CODELOD) propulsion system, the patrol vessel is powered with two Wärtsilä 12V26 diesel engines with electric motors driving a controllable pitch propeller through two shafts. Each engine is rated at 5,400kW. The electric propulsion is mainly used for low-speed operations.