The Dutch government has informed the House of Representatives and the public that HNLMS "Tromp" (De Zeven Provinciën class, 144 metres) will also be transiting the Red Sea on its way to the Indo-Pacific. The anti-aircraft frigate left Den Helder on 9 March and will support the US-led maritime operation Prosperity Guardian for around 25 days at the end of March and will also exchange information with the EU operation Aspides (Shield), to which the German anti-aircraft frigate HESSEN also belongs, and provide support on request.
The aim of both operations is to fend off attacks by the Houthis on civilian shipping in the Red Sea.
The government is also examining whether the multi-purpose supply ship HNLMS "Karel Doorman" (Joint Support Ship 204 metres, 27,800 tonnes) can also be deployed in the coming months.
JSS HNLMS "Karel Doorman" (A 833). Photo: Dutch MoD
The Red Sea is an important shipping route between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean. More than twelve per cent of world trade and around a third of the world's container ships pass through this sea route. Houthi units have attacked more than forty merchant and naval vessels with missiles and drones in recent months. Most recently, there were even fatalities on a merchant ship. As a maritime trading nation, the Netherlands will now also make an international contribution to maritime security and the right to free sea trade routes.
Source: SWZ Maritime
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