HNLSM Snellius returns to service
The delivery of HNLMS Snellius, HNLMS Pelikaan, HNLMS Luymes brings to a successful conclusion a series a large-scale mid-life upgrade projects. (Photo: Damen Shipyards)
Damen Shipyards has returned the HNLMS Snellius to the Royal Netherlands Navy following a successful modernisation programme.
Damen Shipyards Den Helder has completed maintenance and modernisation work on HNLSM Snellius.
This modernisation programme functioned as Snellius’ midlife upgrade.
The hydrographic survey vessel required a complex and diverse scope of work, which has taken almost a year to complete.
The Defence Material Organisation of the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the Directorate for Material Conservation were responsible for the major maintenance work.
They commissioned the shipyard in Den Helder to carry out the midlife update and the necessary multi-annual maintenance simultaneously.
The assignment was carried out in close collaboration with numerous partners from the Durch maritime industry, such as Nevesbu, Wartsila, Braspenning, Eekels, RH Marine, Bakker Sliedrecht and Kongsberg.
Many of the platforms and systems were replaced or overhauled during the project. Some works were also carried out to prepare the fifteen-year-old vessel for the second half of its lifecycle.
Following the completion of the work, the vessel underwent an extensive test period and is now ready to perform hydrographic work for the RNLS.
HNLSM Snellius will return to its duty mapping the seabed, particularly in the North Sea and the Caribbean.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS]()
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
