Damen Naval contracts Alfa Laval Benelux for ASW frigate systems

The contract follows Damen Naval’s June 2023 agreement to design and build four ASW frigates, with two destined for the Netherlands and two for Belgium. These new vessels will replace the ageing Karel Doorman Class frigates, focusing primarily on anti-submarine warfare, while maintaining versatility for other naval operations.

Richard Keulen, Damen Naval’s Director of Corporate Strategy & Innovation, expressed his enthusiasm for involving another Dutch partner in this important project. He highlighted the unique nature of building identical frigates for two NATO allies and underscored the importance of engaging local suppliers to support the Dutch naval shipbuilding industry.

Alfa Laval Benelux will provide the frigates with advanced skid-built Fuel Oil Separators, suitable for different fuel types, as well as a cleaning table for maintaining these separators. Additionally, they will supply the PureBilge system, an automated centrifugal separator that cleans oily bilge water while at sea, ensuring environmental compliance.

This project builds on the ongoing collaboration between Damen Naval and Alfa Laval, which also extends to the Combat Support Ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy and the F126 frigates being developed for the German Navy. David van Luijtelaar, Head of Alfa Laval’s Marine Division Benelux, emphasised the company’s readiness to meet the strict demands of the project, such as reducing shock and noise levels, and the value of their extensive defence experience.