The Dutch government has signed a contract with Fugro N.V. and Damen Shipyards for the chartering of a modern patrol vessel with a civilian crew. The new Damen Fast Crew Supplier 5009 (FCS) "state ship" is due to enter service in the second quarter of 2025 and will improve situational awareness in the Netherlands' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Ministry of Defence is expecting a high-profile deployment for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. The image provided with the press releases from the Ministry of Defence, Fugro and Damen suggests that the loaned vessel could be the DSS "Galatea".
Background and mission
In view of growing geopolitical tensions and increased Russian surveying activities of offshore facilities, the protection of critical maritime infrastructure has become a focal point. Against this backdrop, the chartered ship is to take on classic surveillance tasks such as monitoring, identifying and escorting non-NATO ships. The Hague hopes that this solution will provide seamless surveillance of critical infrastructure and relieve the navy, whose units will be able to focus on their core tasks.
As an interim solution, the ship is to ensure patrol activities in the Dutch parts of the North Sea until the two new multifunctional support and security vessels (MSSV) are commissioned, which is planned from 2027. Accordingly, the FCS 5009's charter is initially for two years, with the option of two twelve-month extensions.
The project is being financed by the Programme for the Protection of North Sea Infrastructure (PBNI) under the auspices of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Legal status as a state vessel
Due to the construction of the charter contract, FCS 5009 is legally considered a "state vessel with a civilian crew". In the status of a "state vessel" (similar to the status of 'federal service vessels'), it is authorised to monitor, identify and escort - without the use of force. According to marineschepen.nl, the ship will operate unarmed. However, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the "state ship" can request naval vessels or other units from the Ministry of Defence's area of responsibility or take military forces on board if necessary.
About Fugro
Fugro N.V., headquartered in Leidschendam, is a leading global provider of geo-intelligence solutions (marine site characterisation) and asset integrity management solutions (assessment of performance and material preservation data of technical facilities) for onshore and offshore projects. This also includes the use of state-of-the-art underwater robots and autonomous survey platforms. Since its foundation in 1962, the listed company has supported energy, infrastructure and environmental projects with over 13,000 employees in more than 60 countries.
Civil-military hybrid concept - quickly available, cross-departmentally financed
In a statement, Fugro CEO Mark Heine emphasised the innovative power of this partnership: "The civil-military hybrid construction provides the government with a flexible, quickly available instrument in the low force area and sets new standards for public-private partnerships in maritime security tasks.
With the temporary charter of the Damen FCS 5009, Damen and Fugro are creating an alternative to long-term fleet planning. The "ship of state" relieves the burden on regular naval units and has what it takes to become a model of civil-military partnership on the high seas. Not least because of its interdepartmental financing.
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