Naval shipbuilding in the Netherlands

Wim A. Smit

University of Twente, The Netherlands

Conference on

“A Shipbuilding and Ship Procurement Strategy for Canada?”

4 November 2009

“De Zeven Provinciën” in the second England-Netherlands war (1665-1667)

Features of Dutch naval shipbuilding

• The Netherlands is self-sufficient in naval shipbuilding

• Most naval weaponry is imported

• a long-standing naval/maritime cluster the RNLN at the centre as a spider in the web

• RNLN is leader firm

• RNLN itself designs its new ships

• RNLN itself designs Sensor, Weapon and Control Systems (SEWACO)

• Much of Dutch expertise on naval technology is located within the Navy’s design office.

• Mutual trust is more important than competition

Dutch naval/maritime cluster

MARIN Maritime research

TNO Defense

Research

Wärtsilä engines

Wärtsilä propulsion

Rohde & Schwarz

telecom

Hertel

firewall & accomodation

Exendis

Energy conversion

Loggers

shock & vibration

Rexroth Hydraudine

Hydraulic cylinders

Rolls-Royce

gas turbines

Dutch naval shipyards through the 1950s-1980s

Each yard had its own specialty

• De Schelde - frigates

• RDM - submarines

• Van der Giessen de Noord - minesweepers & minehunters

• [Wilton Fijenoord - 2 frigates and 4 submarines]

• [ NSM - (until the mid-1960s) 3 frigates]

• Damen Shipbuildings - exports Fast Attack Crafts (since 1980s)

Dutch naval exports in the pastWeak export position for new Dutch naval ships • political factors

– foreign governments support exports of own naval yards – no export licenses (Taiwan, South Africa)

• RNLN’s as launch customer is essential, but RNLN’s requirements: advanced & expensive

• Small export successes in 1980s: Greece, Indonesia, Taiwan

More successful in exporting second hand warships • In the past: Peru and Indonesia• Recently frigates to Belgium, Portugal, Chile

minehunters to Latvia

Thales Netherlands successful: radar and fire control equipmentnew or in refitting programs

Dutch naval shipyards after 2000

Damen Schelde Shipyards • Virtually the only shipyard left, surface vessels• Different management and strategy• SIGMA-design: modular design of corvettes• Successful in exports: FAC, corvettes, patrol vessels

(Indonesia, Marocco)• Co-operation with and take-over of foreign yards

(e.g., Galati yard in Romania)

Re-entering of IHC Merwede? • Design and Construction of ATS, LPD and AOR• Multi Role Ship for New Zealand Navy (2006)• Still little experience

Damen Schelde artist impression of Dutch JSS

Some features of preliminary JSS design

(dis)embarking of LCU via Ro-Ro rampelevator for helicopters and vehicles

Preliminary tasks of Dutch and Canadian JSS

Dutch JSS Canadian JSS

TASKS

Supply and support functions from the sea

Water, Food Oil Ammunition

RepairMedical careSelf-defenselogistical basis at initial phase of operations

Supply and support functions from the sea

Water, Food Oil Ammunition

RepairMedical careSelf-defenseArctic capabilities

Preliminary features of Dutch and Canadian JSS

Dutch JSS Canadian JSS

Features

Roll-On Roll-Off Lift-On Lift-Off Hangar for 4 to 6 Maritime Helicopters2 Operating roomsCrew up to 175 peopleWork and living space for additional 125 personnelFlexible & multifunctional use of cargo decksLCPV facilities Estimated costs € 300 million

Roll-On Roll-Off Lift-On Lift-Off Hangar for 4 Maritime Helicopters1 Operating roomCrew up to 165 peopleWork and living space for additional 155 personnelImproved Arctic capabilities