Royal IHC put back on the (sea) map for defence

In September 2023, we proudly announced the award to Royal IHC of a maintenance contract for three auxiliary vessels of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The maintenance contract covers five docking periods of which this first docking was successfully completed today.  

The intensive planned maintenance work on the HNLMS Luymes, started in November, has been completed on time and on budget. This morning the vessel was launched and is ready for transit back to Den Helder where the remainder of the maintenance work will be finished. 

Fedde ten Hoeve, KLTZ (TD), Project manager Department of Material Maintenance (DMI): “Over the past two months, HNLMS Luymes has undergone the dock-related work of her 3-yearly maintenance period at Hardinxveld-Giessendam under the auspices and supervision of IHC Defence, at the subcontracting yard of Neptune Repair. 

During this external period at the slipway, various inspections were carried out on the hull and ship installations, maintenance was done, operational issues were rectified and the ship was given a paint job. This means the vessel will soon be operational again  to continue with her hydrographic operations.”  

Fedde ten Hoeve further commented: “The maintenance period, which will continue in Den Helder, is considered successful so far. In particular, the professional and pleasant cooperation between IHC Defence, subcontractors, the Royal Netherlands Navy project team (DMI), the ship's crew and other Royal Navy departments can be characterized as very constructive, and effective way of cooperation and created the opportunity to respond quickly to additional needs of the Royal Navy project team. Above all, the mutual atmosphere of trust contributes to the targeted effectiveness and efficiency to get the ship ready again for her future missions in time.”  

Eric Gret, Project Manager IHC Defence: “We are proud to have supported the Royal Netherlands Navy in maintenance of the HNLMS Luymes. This project marked an intensive period of work together and we are happy to see the vessel back in the water.  Exceptional teamwork allowed everyone involved to best showcase their skills and abilities. We look forward to the successful completion of future maintenance projects with DMI.” 

Later this year the second period maintenance work will start, this time on the HNLMS Snellius. 

Read more on the maintenance contract