Zr.Ms. Holland: Scheduled maintenance and support midlife update
Project overview
The naval maintenance programme of Zr.Ms. Holland brought together the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), the Directie Materiële Instandhouding (DMI) and IHC Defence.
By aligning scheduled maintenance with the Midlife Update programme, the partners reduced downtime and created a more efficient path to renewed readiness. Delivered in close cooperation, the project combined naval expertise with industrial capability - supported by an innovative pontoon lift and controlled working conditions under cover.
Collaboration at the core
This programme was delivered through close cooperation between the Royal Netherlands Navy, COMMIT, DMI and industry partners. A dedicated on-site team of civilian specialists and military personnel worked alongside Royal IHC colleagues to monitor progress, align interfaces and maintain quality throughout execution.
Naval maintenance outcomes at a glance
- Vessel: Ocean-going Patrol Vessel (OPV) Zr.Ms. Holland
- Commissioned: 2012
- Workscope: Scheduled maintenance alongside Midlife Update (MLU) enabling works
- Shipyard locations: Kinderdijk (preparation) and Krimpen aan den IJssel (dry, under cover)
- Planned operational availability: early 2027 (subject to programme plan)
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What we delivered
Working alongside Navy teams and partners, IHC Defence supported a broad package of ship repair, preservation and maintenance enabling works to prepare Zr.Ms. Holland for the next phase of her Midlife Update.
- Preservation and coating renewal: surface preparation and renewal of paint and preservation systems above and below the waterline.
- Underwater works under controlled conditions: inspection and hull-related works while the vessel was dry and protected from weather.
- Propulsion line support: shaftline-related works including removal and correction where required, coating renewal and alignment support.
- Targeted repairs and maintenance: steelwork and platform tasks supported by in-house disciplines (steel, piping, carpentry, hydraulics and mechanical fitting).
- Shipyard logistics and coordination: quay-side preparation at Kinderdijk and execution at Krimpen, aligned with the wider SM/MLU programme.
A first for the Netherlands: moving Zr.Ms. Holland dry into a covered hall
To create the right conditions for efficient underwater works and preservation, Zr.Ms. Holland was docked using an innovative pontoon lift approach. The vessel was positioned over a submersible pontoon, lifted in a controlled operation, towed to Royal IHC’s shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel and then moved dry into a covered hall.
For a naval vessel of this size, this was a first in the Netherlands. Working under cover improved schedule predictability and supported consistent quality, while also creating capacity at naval facilities by executing key phases externally.
Docking Zr.Ms. Holland at Royal IHC slipway in Krimpen
Results and impact
The completion of this phase and the handover milestone demonstrate what is possible when Defence organisations and industry align early and execute as one team. The work supports the Royal Netherlands Navy’s readiness goals while strengthening Dutch industrial capability in naval lifecycle support.
- Readiness support: enabling works completed to support the vessel’s return to service following reinstallation and trials.
- Capacity and efficiency: executing work at Royal IHC reduced pressure on naval facilities and supported parallel workstreams.
- Proven capability: strengthened Royal IHC’s track record in naval maintenance, preservation and complex logistics.
How can we support you?
Connect with our team to discuss scheduled maintenance, ship repair, preservation, and the coordination of complex shipyard logistics for naval and government vessels.