ORANJESTAD (AAN): The Zr Ms Friesland Caribbean station ship has officially taken over the role of station ship in the Caribbean region, replacing Zr.Ms. Groningen.
The patrol vessel arrived in the Caribbean on Sunday morning, February 1, making a brief stop in St. Maarten. On Monday, February 2, the Zr Ms Friesland Caribbean station ship is scheduled to enter Santa Ana Bay in Willemstad.
Over the coming months, the Zr Ms Friesland Caribbean station ship will patrol the region and remain on standby to provide emergency assistance when needed. Its mission includes maintaining maritime security and supporting regional stability.
Zr.Ms. Groningen previously conducted frequent patrols around the ABC islands, serving as the eyes and ears of the Dutch Ministry of Defence at sea. The vessel also supported the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and played a key role in emergency response operations.
Like its predecessor, the Zr Ms Friesland Caribbean station ship will be supported by a Dutch NH-90 maritime attack helicopter. This capability allows the ship to monitor a wider area and respond more quickly to incidents in the region.
The Royal Netherlands Navy operates four Holland-class ocean-going patrol vessels, which are flexibly deployed to monitor coastal waters and support security operations. By maintaining a permanent station ship presence, the Ministry of Defence continues to contribute to peace and security throughout the Caribbean region.
