WILLEMSTAD – The multipurpose frigate Zr.Ms. Van Amstel arrived in Willemstad yesterday, where it will operate as the Royal Netherlands Navy’s station ship in the Caribbean for the next four months.

At 8:30 a.m., the vessel sailed into the Sint Annabaai and was greeted with a salute fired from Fort Amsterdam. A ceremonial armed guard from the army company stationed on the island honored the ship as it passed through the harbor entrance. The Van Amstel then docked at the Matthey Wharf.

The frigate replaces Zr.Ms. Friesland, which has been active in the region in recent months. The Friesland was involved in humanitarian aid missions in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew, as well as several interceptions during anti-drug operations.

Mission and Tasks

During its deployment, the Van Amstel will undertake a variety of assignments. Its core mission is counter-drug operations, carried out in cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, and the U.S.-based Joint Interagency Task Force South. The ship is also prepared to provide humanitarian assistance and maintain a visible maritime presence in the region.

On its way to Curaçao, the Van Amstel conducted a series of exercises, including operations with its NH-90 maritime combat helicopter.

A Versatile Vessel

As a multipurpose frigate, the Van Amstel is capable of much more than regional duties. It can also be deployed against hostile submarines and surface ships and has air defense capabilities. Last year, the ship was deployed in the Aegean Sea to help map human smuggling networks.

With its arrival in Curaçao, the Van Amstel takes on an essential role in strengthening regional security, supporting allies, and safeguarding stability in the Caribbean.