Royal Netherlands Navy Receives First Two Modernized LCU Ships for Enhanced Amphibious Operations
The Royal Netherlands Navy has received the first two of four Mk. II Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Ships undergoing a mid-life modernization (MLU) program.
The ships, modernized by De Haas Shipyard in Rotterdam, have been upgraded to meet changing operational needs and new requirements. As part of the program, sensors, weapons, and command systems were upgraded, and ballistic protection equipment was added. Additionally, the generators were renewed entirely, and the exhaust systems were relocated to the aft.
The modernization also considered the crew’s living conditions; sleeping quarters, sanitary facilities, and maintenance areas were renovated, while the bridge was replaced entirely.
Thanks to the modernization, the ships will be able to serve in the Dutch Navy until at least 2032. The program’s other two ships will arrive later this year and in 2026.
The LCU Mark II is the largest landing ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy. It is primarily used for amphibious operations with the Landing Platform Dock of RNLM, HNLMS Rotterdam. The LCUs’ main task is to transport various vehicles, such as Land rovers, BV206s, main battle tanks, and trucks, between LPD and beachhead. Their maximum loading capacity is 65 Tons, and loading and unloading operations are carried out by a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) system integrated into the bow and stern ramps of the ship.
The LCUs have a diesel-electric system for propulsion. Two electric motor-driven Schottel pumpjets are placed forward and aft. The electric motors are powered by two Caterpillar 3412C DI-T generator sets of 459 kW each, giving the vessel a maximum speed of approximately 11 knots. The ships have a full load displacement of 255 tonnes, a length of 36.3 m, a beam of 6.85 m, and a draft of 1.4 m.
A statement issued by the Dutch Ministry of Defence Press Office stated: “The modernization enhances operational capacity, flexibility, and survivability during amphibious and multifunctional operations. This strengthens the Netherlands’ role within NATO. The LCUs contribute positively to the protection of both the Netherlands Defence’s own and allied territories.”