‘HNLMS Karel Doorman’ maintenance

On 7 October 2026, the Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNLN) Joint Support Ship (JSS) HNLMS Karel Doorman returned to Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen (DSV) for the third and final phase in an extensive maintenance and continuous improvement project.

Prepared for the coming years

The continuous improvement scope includes the installation of enhanced self-defence systems, sensor upgrades and technical modernisations. The work performed will ensure HNLMS Karel Doorman remains fit for purpose in the coming years.

The project follows a maintenance and upkeep programme that Damen undertook for the HNLMS Johan de Witt between 2022 and 2023. The RNLN has also awarded Damen Shiprepair the contract for the HNLMS Karel Doorman project.

Comprehensive project support

During the undertaking, DSV has been supported by multiple Damen entities, as well as Dutch suppliers and co-makers. The initial engineering was provided by Damen Naval (DN), which constructed HNLMS Karel Doorman between 2011 and 2015.

The vessel arrived at DN Quay E on 19 March 2026. Here, HNLMS Karel Doorman underwent a thorough inspection in order to establish the precise scope of work prior to her drydocking. At the same time, DSV commenced long-lead works. This included preparing the vessel for painting, as well as HVAC and piping work. The vessel’s replenishment at sea (RAS) system was dismantled and taken to the workshop for further disassembly and inspection, among other things.

Dock-related scope

With the inspection complete, by early June, HNLMS Karel Doorman had arrived at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam’s Schiedam location for dock-related works. At this stage, Damen Shiprepair undertook extensive work to the vessel’s underwater areas and steering and propulsion equipment, as well as a considerable painting scope.

At the same time, a new self-defence system and winch were installed. This was made easier by the drydock, which enabled a support to be constructed, via which the winch could be hoisted aboard over the stern.

Return to Vlissingen

With the vessel now back at DSV, the final phase of the project is underway. During this phase, the RAS system will be reinstalled together with a range of equipment and components such as piping, cabling and control boxes. This part of the project will also see the long-lead time items, such as a new CCTV system, warm water boilers and hardware for the vessel’s combat management system, installed.

Robust quality control

The work is being undertaken with precision, with robust quality control processes, overseen by both Damen Shiprepair and the RNLN at every stage.

Upon completion of the project, DSV will deliver the upgraded HNLMS Karel Doorman to the RNLN. The vessel will then return to her home base in Den Helder, North Holland, in preparation for the resumption of operations.