Holland-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
| Category | Patrol vessel |
| Subtype | Ocean-going patrol vessel |
| Manufacturer | Damen Shipyards Galați |
| Year commissioned | 2012 |
| Approx. unit cost | $116.95 million |
| Units | P840 Holland, P841 Zeeland, P842 Friesland, P843 Groningen |
Operators
Technical specifications
| Displacement | 3750 tons |
| Range | 5000 km at 15 knots |
| Endurance | 21 |
| Crew | 54 members |
| Width | 16.0 m (52.5 ft) |
| Length | 108.4 m (355.6 ft) |
| Air Park |
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| Propulsion | RENK CODELOD: 2x MAN 12V28/33D diesel engines (5460KW each) and 2x 400 kW (540 hp) electric motors |
| Armament |
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| Maximum speed | 21 knots |
Description
The Holland-class ocean-going patrol vessels originated from the Dutch Ministry of Defence's 2005 Marinestudie. This study recommended the sale of four Karel Doorman-class frigates to finance the procurement of four dedicated patrol ships, a joint support ship, and mine-sweeping assets. In 2007, the Royal Netherlands Navy signed a contract for the class with Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding. Construction took place at shipyards in Vlissingen, Netherlands, and Galați, Romania.
The vessels are designed for patrol and intervention operations against asymmetric threats, such as smugglers and pirates, as well as military stabilization and security tasks. The ships are constructed with heavier mild steel and armor for increased robustness compared to previous Dutch frigates. The hull and superstructure design aims to reduce radar cross-section and improve seakeeping by positioning the superstructure further aft.
The primary sensor suite is contained within the Thales Integrated Mast, an airtight module incorporating non-rotating air warning radar, active phased-array surface detection and tracking radar, and a 360-degree electro-optical surveillance system. This mast integrates communication systems and search arrays into a single structure. Propulsion is provided by a combined diesel or electric system, with electric motors used for low-speed operations. For interception tasks, the class carries two Fast Raiding Interception and Special Forces Craft, with one deployed from davits and the other from a stern slipway. Aviation facilities include a hangar and flight deck for a single NH90 helicopter.
The Royal Netherlands Navy operates the class in the North Sea, the South China Sea, and the Caribbean. In the Caribbean region, the vessels work in conjunction with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard for anti-piracy, blockade enforcement, and emergency transport missions. HNLMS Holland entered service in 2012. HNLMS Friesland was the first of the class to deploy as a West Indies Guard Ship in 2013, having previously participated in the rescue of a sail training vessel off Iona in 2012. HNLMS Zeeland was commissioned in 2013 but is currently laid up in Den Helder following fire damage sustained in 2022. HNLMS Groningen was commissioned in 2013. In 2024, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced that the class is scheduled for replacement by a new design of amphibious transport ships beginning in 2032.