Ukraine receives another mine-hunting vessel from the Netherlands – photos
The Ukrainian Navy has taken delivery of another mine countermeasures vessel from the Netherlands.
Source: Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, Commander of the Navy
Quote: "Within the framework of the Maritime Capabilities Coalition, our Dutch partners have transferred an Alkmaar-class mine countermeasures vessel to the Ukrainian Navy. During the official ceremony, I had the honour of raising the Ukrainian Navy flag on the new minehunter Henichesk, in the presence of the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Commander of the Royal Belgian Navy, and the commanders of the navies of Romania, Lithuania and Latvia."
Details: The ship has been named after a minesweeper of the same name that was destroyed during a mission while supporting the withdrawal of special forces units.
Neizhpapa said Henichesk will enhance Ukraine's mine countermeasures capability: the search, detection and neutralisation of naval mines. He added that following its transfer, the Navy now operates five mine countermeasures vessels.
"I thanked the Dutch crew for their service, their stewardship of the vessel and for maintaining it in excellent condition. I assured them that with a Ukrainian crew, it will continue to operate effectively, fulfilling its tasks with dignity and contributing to maritime security in the Black Sea and, if required, beyond its borders," he added.
Background:
- The United Kingdom previously transferred Sandown-class minehunters Cherkasy and Chernihiv to Ukraine, while Belgium and the Netherlands handed over Alkmaar-class vessels Melitopol and Mariupol.
- Ukraine's Ministry of Defence reported on the Alkmaar-class minesweeper transferred from the Netherlands to Ukraine. The vessel's specifications include a crew complement of 28-38, a displacement of 543 tonnes, a length of 51.5 m and a maximum speed of up to 13 knots (around 24 km/h).
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