Damen, Fugro deliver new patrol vessel to Dutch navy to support CUI protection

DSS Galatea was officially transferred from Damen Shipyards to the RNLN in Den Helder on 18 June. (Royal Netherlands Navy)

The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has taken delivery of a new patrol vessel that it is leasing from Damen Shipyards and Geodata-specialist Fugro to strengthen the protection of critical undersea infrastructure (CUI) within the Netherlands' North Sea exclusive economic zone.

The vessel, named DSS Galatea, was officially handed over in Den Helder on 18 June, the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the same day.

Galatea is fully operational and will start maritime security operations during the NATO summit, which will be held at The Hague from 24 to 25 June, where it will increase situational awareness as well as having a deterrent effect, the MoD said.

Damen and Fugro are chartering the vessel to the RNLN for an initial period of two years, with an option to extend twice annually, under a contract awarded by the MoD in April. The project has been funded by the North Sea Infrastructure Protection Program (PBNI) co-ordinated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

Galatea is built to Damen's Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 5009 design, which features its patented Sea Axe bow for improved seakeeping performance and fuel efficiency and a 240 m² deck area. The FCS 5009 has an overall length of 53.25 m, a top speed of 24 kt, and a range of 3,100 n miles. It can carry a crew complement of up to eight in addition to up to 80 personnel.