WILLEMSTAD - The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate Zr.Ms. Van Amstel has temporarily taken over duties from Zr.Ms. Groningen, which is undergoing routine maintenance.

The Van Amstel was already operating in the region following participation in an international naval exercise off the U.S. East Coast. After completing the exercise, the frigate sailed to the ABC islands to assume operational duties in the Caribbean.

Once maintenance on the Groningen is completed, the Van Amstel will depart to resume its role as flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1). In the meantime, the vessel will be active throughout the Caribbean in the coming week.

Typically, the Netherlands’ maritime presence in the region is maintained by Ocean Patrol Vessels (OPVs). However, the switch from a patrol vessel to an M-class frigate is due to operational availability within the Navy’s fleet.

Zr.Ms. Van Amstel also operated in the Caribbean earlier in September, filling the gap between two stationed naval vessels and ensuring continuous maritime security and defense coverage in the Dutch Caribbean region.