Heinen & Hopman Set to Equip Next-Gen Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates with Advanced HVAC-R and CBRN Filtration Technology

In collaboration with Heinen & Hopman, the renowned Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval has once again engaged a domestic supplier for the esteemed Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates. The Spakenburg-based company will provide the climate control and filtration systems for the quartet of new frigates being constructed for the Netherlands and Belgium. Following Thales and RH Marine, Heinen & Hopman marks the third ‘local’ supplier to be associated with this significant undertaking.

“Through this agreement, we are honoring our commitment to include as numerous Dutch suppliers as possible in this venture,” states Roland Briene, Managing Director of Damen Naval. “This approach enables us to share the expertise we gain from this frigate initiative with a broader segment of the Dutch shipbuilding sector. Like Damen, Heinen & Hopman is a family-owned business, and due to their quality systems alongside their proactive and adaptable working style, they are a perfect match for Damen Naval.”

The contract encompasses a comprehensive Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration system (HVAC-R). The company specializes in marine solutions that are resilient enough to operate under the most demanding conditions. Moreover, Heinen & Hopman will provide a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear filtration system (CBRN) to safeguard the ship and primarily to protect the crew from potential chemical, biological, or nuclear threats.

Damen Naval and Heinen & Hopman have previously collaborated on numerous projects. The company also provided the HVAC-R systems for the Joint Support Ship HNLMS Karel Doorman, the Combat Support Ship Den Helder which is currently under construction, as well as the SIGMA Frigates for Indonesia, Morocco, and Mexico.

“We are immensely proud to be selected once more as Damen Naval’s collaborator, this time for the ASW frigates. With our vast experience across various types of naval ships and specialization in ultra-quiet and energy-efficient HVAC-R systems, we are the ideal choice for these exceptional vessels,” remarks Joep Hopman, CEO of Heinen & Hopman.

The four ASW frigates are set to replace the existing Karel Doorman-class multipurpose frigates that were constructed between 1985 and 1991 by Damen Naval (formerly known as Koninklijke Maatschappij de Schelde). The new frigates are designed for multiple operations; however, the primary focus will be on anti-submarine warfare. The inaugural ship is slated for delivery by Damen Naval in 2028.