HNLMS Van Amstel was recently pictured in Edinburgh by drone photographer Dave Cullen.
The Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel F831 @kon_marine @TheDutchNavy alongside #Leith today@NavyLookout @warshipworld @NavyBooks @WarshipsIFR @DefencePhoto @forthports @NLinUK @kon_marine @forthpilot @RoyalNavy @NATO_MARCOM pic.twitter.com/MxU5F04CG0
— Dave Cullen Photography (@dcullen_photo) August 31, 2024
HNLMS Van Amstel (F831) is a Karel Doorman-class frigate that has been in active service with the Royal Netherlands Navy since its commissioning in May 1993. The ship was constructed by the Koninklijke Schelde Groep shipyard in Vlissingen, with its keel laid down in May 1987 and its launch following in May 1990. Named after the Dutch Captain Jan van Amstel, the frigate is part of a class of multi-purpose vessels designed to perform a variety of roles, including anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and surface combat operations.
Throughout its operational history, HNLMS Van Amstel has been involved in several international missions and humanitarian efforts. In 1995, the ship was deployed to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Luis in Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles. Later, from 2001 to 2002, the frigate participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, operating in the Oman Sea as part of a multinational coalition. The ship also contributed to humanitarian relief in 2005, when it assisted in the distribution of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina in southern Mississippi, working in conjunction with Mexican marines, U.S. Navy sailors, and U.S. Marines.
In addition to its humanitarian missions, HNLMS Van Amstel has been active in operations aimed at enhancing maritime security. In May 2012, the frigate was involved in the apprehension of 11 Somali pirates off the coast of Somalia and the rescue of 17 Iranian fishermen who had been held hostage. The ship also played a role in counter-narcotics efforts, notably seizing nearly 700 kilograms of cocaine in two separate drug interdictions in the Caribbean Sea in April 2017. In 2016, the vessel joined Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), participating in multinational maritime security operations.
Most recently, HNLMS Van Amstel has continued its participation in international exercises, including the Mjølner exercise off Andøy Island, Norway, in May 2022. The ship also took part in joint drills with the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in October 2022. The frigate’s array of sensors, weapons systems, and helicopters support its role in various maritime operations, maintaining its position as a key asset within the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Superficially that frigate looks to be very lightly armed. Thought I would raise that as there was a big discussion here yesterday on European v others relative armaments. What’s its missile load or should I just check out wiki.
Oh my research was obviously removed for some reason.
14 VLS 16 SeaSparrows 8 anti ship containerised Harpoon missiles (if I remember right) 1 CIWS but only 3300 tons so small by modern standards.
She was built in the 80’s, so for her time she’s actually pretty respectable.
The Sea Sparrow are semi active, it has 2 director radars so can fight 2 targets simultaneously (plus the radar directed 76mm and the Goalkeeper ). The missiles tech were the standard for the period but obsolete now with active missiles.
Last of her class of 8, still in service with the Dutch….
No doubt aomeone will claim the Dutch frigate was covering our SSBN….
Very handy looking ship with a fine record.