Dutch Naval Vessel HNLMS Van Amstel takes Over HNLMS Friesland

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - On Thursday evening, September 11, 2025, the Dutch naval vessel HNLMS Van Amstel moored in St. Anna Bay in Willemstad, Curacao. The vessel will be active in the Caribbean during the coming months.

The M-frigate will bridge the gap between HNLMS Friesland and HNLMS Groningen in the area. The maritime military presence is usually provided by patrol vessels; the change from the OPV (Ocean Patrol Vessel) type to the M-frigate is due to the availability of resources. HNLMS Van Amstel has previously sailed in the region, most recently in 2017 for a three-month period.

After the handover, HNLMS Friesland will depart for the Netherlands for scheduled maintenance. The next station ship, HNLMS Groningen, could not immediately take over the duties due to the delays in her own scheduled maintenance.

To bridge the relief period, HNLMS Van Amstel arrived in Curacao on Thursday. The Ministry of Defence aims to establish a permanent maritime military presence in the Caribbean with the ship. The deployable assets depend on available capacities and rotation and maintenance schedules.

HNLMS Friesland served as a station ship in the Caribbean for five months. During this period, the ship intercepted over 13,500 kilograms of contraband. With the permanent presence of a station ship in the region, the Ministry of Defence contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean.

L to R: HNLMS Van Amstel and HNLMS Friesland