The ocean-going patrol vessel HNLMS Holland set sail for the Caribbean on August 3.
The navy ship, with a 50-strong crew, is scheduled to arrive in the area on 18 August, where it will be deployed to counterdrugs operations and coastguard duties for a period of 4 months.
The Holland will relieve the HNLMS Groningen, a ship from the same class.
The patrol ship will be deployed to fight criminal activities, but also to ensure a maritime presence. In addition, it will carry out a number of tasks in close cooperation with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. The crew will also be made ready to provide emergency relief in the event of a hurricane.