The commissioning ceremony, held on July 6 in Den Helder marked the official entry into service as one of Her Netherlands Majesty’s Ships (HNLMS) of the patrol vessel Holland.
HNLMS Holland gives its name to the Holland class of vessels, a series of 4 Ocean-going Patrol Vessels. The patrol vessels, which have an overall length of 108 metres, can be deployed anywhere in the world for a wide range of tasks: from coastal surveillance, shipping checks and counterdrug operations to counterterrorism and counterpiracy missions.
“The proof that civil-military cooperation and innovation actually lead to splendid results is floating here beneath our feet: the ocean-going patrol vessel Her Netherlands Majesty’s Ship Holland” , said Defence Minister Hillen at the commissioning ceremony. “ This pinnacle of technological ingenuity will be sailing the seven seas crewed not by 200 men and women, but by just 50. Moreover, with the non-rotating radar and cameras in her unique mast, the ship can be deployed close to the coast.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, July 11 2012; Image: Dutch MoD