Fugro and Damen have partnered to provide the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) with a marine security and surveillance vessel (MSSV) and operating crew. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has contracted this collaboration to enhance maritime security and surveillance capabilities within the Netherlands’ North Sea exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The MSSV will be deployed to conduct security operations both above and below the water, utilizing advanced technologies such as uncrewed vehicles. These capabilities will enable the RNLN to monitor vessel activities and survey critical underwater infrastructure, including cables and pipelines.
The joint venture between Fugro and Damen includes a two-year charter agreement, with options to extend twice for an additional year each, totaling up to four years. The vessel selected for this mission is a Damen FCS 5009, known for its exceptional seakeeping abilities attributed to its Sea Axe bow design, developed in collaboration with Delft University of Technology.
Arnout Damen, CEO of Damen Shipyards Group, expressed pride in the alliance, stating, “We are very proud of this alliance with Fugro and the confidence the Ministry of Defence has placed in us for executing this important contract.”
Mark Heine, CEO of Fugro, highlighted the mission’s alignment with their goals: “At Fugro, our mission is to create a safe and liveable world. Keeping our underwater infrastructure in the North Sea safe is integral to this, and by working together with Damen and the RNLN, we can contribute to national security and surveillance efforts.”
This project is funded by the North Sea Infrastructure Protection Program (PBNI), coordinated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.