Subscribe to the newsletter
It is official: the Dutch Ministry of Defence has awarded Damen Naval the contract to carry out the comprehensive modernisation and major maintenance of HNLMS Johan de Witt of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The amphibious transport ship (L801) has almost reached the halfway point of its planned service life. In order to remain in service until at least 2032, and to keep the ship operationally deployable and relevant, it will receive a so-called mid-life update (MLU). The vessel will also undergo its five-yearly major maintenance for the third time.
Amphibious transport ship HNLMS Johan de Witt is on its way to Vlissingen for a mid-life update (MLU).
Project Director Fer Tummers.
“It is a wonderful project, and we are really looking forward to it,” says Project Director Fer Tummers. “Preparations for the project are already in full swing and, weather permitting, we expect the ship to arrive in Vlissingen-Oost this month.”
Landing Platform Dock (LPD) HNLMS Johan de Witt is a welcome participant in EU and NATO operations. After keel-laying in 2003, followed by launching in 2006, Damen Naval delivered the ship in 2007. The LPD is a combination of an airport, harbour, parking garage, hospital, hotel and communication centre.
The MLU has been commissioned by experts of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the Naval Maintenance and Sustainment Agency, which is the maintenance organisation of the Royal Netherlands Navy. They have asked Damen Naval to act as the main contractor, working closely with Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen and RH Marine. When the MLU is completed in 2023, the Johan de Witt will be equipped with, among other things, a new Thales radar, new communication systems, upgrades to the automation systems and networks, new sports facilities, a modernised infirmary, a renovated bridge and Joint Operations Room, as well as new weapon systems.
Damen Naval delivered HNLMS Johan de Witt in 2007.