1. 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

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

3. 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

4. Dutch naval/maritime cluster
Thales NL
Imtech
RNLN
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
Yards
Rolls-Royce
gas turbines

5. 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)

6. Dutch naval exports in the past
Weak 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 equipment new or in refitting programs

7. 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

8. Damen Schelde artist impression of Dutch JSS

9. Some features of preliminary JSS design
(dis)embarking of LCU via Ro-Ro ramp
elevator for helicopters and vehicles

10. Preliminary tasks of Dutch and Canadian JSS
Dutch JSS
Canadian JSS
TASKS
Supply and support functions from the sea
Water, Food
Oil
Ammunition
Repair
Medical care
Self-defense
logistical basis at initial phase of operations
Arctic capabilities

11. 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 Helicopters
2 Operating rooms
Crew up to 175 people
Work and living space for additional 125 personnel
Flexible & multifunctional use of cargo decks
LCPV facilities
Estimated costs € 300 million
Hangar for 4 Maritime Helicopters
1 Operating room
Crew up to 165 people
Work and living space for additional 155 personnel
Improved Arctic capabilities