Damen Naval Partners with Alewijnse for Cutting-Edge Dutch and Belgian Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates
Damen Naval has engaged the Dutch firm Alewijnse for comprehensive systems integration aboard the Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF). The two entities have formalized an agreement for the design, engineering, installation, and integration of all electrical systems, encompassing power distribution and lighting setups for the four new frigates currently under construction for both the Netherlands and Belgium.
“Our partnership with Alewijnse spans numerous years and a multitude of projects,” states Damen Naval Managing Director Roland Briene. “We are thrilled to collaborate once more on the ASWF initiative and excited to partner with a Dutch supplier again. This collaboration ensures that expertise and knowledge will be disseminated among as many stakeholders in the Dutch naval shipbuilding domain as possible. This enhances the Netherlands’ status amongst the world’s elite in complex naval constructions.”
Damen Naval and Alewijnse have previously collaborated on various initiatives, including the Joint Support Ship HNLMS Karel Doorman, the Landing Platform Dock HNLMS Rotterdam, the Holland-Class Ocean Going Patrol Vessels (OPV), and the Combat Support Ship Den Helder, which is still underway.
The new ASW frigates will succeed the existing Karel Doorman-Class of multifaceted frigates. These modern vessels will be equipped to conduct a variety of operations, with a primary focus on anti-submarine warfare. They will feature hybrid diesel-electric propulsion designed for quiet operation. In addition, a sophisticated array of sensors will be onboard to detect submarines effectively.
“We take immense pride in collaborating with Damen Naval on this esteemed project for COMMIT. This extensive and intricate undertaking underscores once again the capabilities of the Dutch maritime sector achieved through collaborative efforts,” remarks Alewijnse CEO Gert Bravenboer.
“We eagerly anticipate initiating the project,” adds Alewijnse Segment Manager Florin Nicutaru. “Working with Damen Naval is always a pleasure. The ASWF is a challenging project with stringent demands in a complicated setting. Having completed numerous defence and security-oriented endeavors in the past, we are thoroughly prepared. Every division within our organization will play a crucial role in this project, harmonizing the various stakeholders and their unique electrical systems into a unified end product that fulfills the end users’ standards for functionality, user-friendliness, and performance.”
The ASWF project is being executed in close collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Defence, with certain tasks to be performed by the MoD itself. The hulls will be constructed in Romania and subsequently transported to Vlissingen for further completion. Damen Naval anticipates delivering the inaugural ship in 2028.
