HNLMS Hydrograaf (H8021) is a expeditionary survey boat (ESB) of the Royal Netherlands Navy.[5]

Hydrograaf
Class overview
NameExpeditionary survey boat (ESB)
BuildersDamen Group, Den Helder, Netherlands
Operators Royal Netherlands Navy
Built2019–2021
In commission2021–present
Planned1
Completed1
Active1
History
Netherlands
NameHydrograaf
Laid down2019
Launched21 January 2021[1]
Commissioned26 February 2021[2]
HomeportDen Helder
IdentificationPennant number: H8021
Statusin active service
General characteristics [3][4]
TypeExpeditionary Survey Boat (ESB)
Tonnage22 GT
Length15.70 m (51 ft 6 in)
Beam4.27 m (14 ft 0 in)
Propulsion2 diesel engines 1,564 hp (1,166 kW)
Speed20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Crew4
Armament1 × MAG machine gun

History

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Hydrograaf at the commissioning ceremony

Hydrograaf fills the gap between the Snellius-class hydrographic survey vessels and the rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) or sloops which are launched from the larger ships from the Dutch Navy. The RHIBs and sloops became to small or old to be used effectively and sail further from the mother ship.

In 2016 the DMO wrote a European invitation to tender for the construction of one ESB. In March 2019 a contract was signed with Damen Den Helder and construction started later that year. The Hydrograaf was launched on 21 January 2021 and commissioned on 26 February 2021 via video call by then State Secretary for Defence Barbara Visser.[1][2]

The ESB is carried in a davit on board a Rotterdam-class landing platform dock or HNLMS Karel Doorman to its work area. Hydrograaf has a range of 100 nautical miles (190 km; 120 mi) and an operation time of 60 hours at 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph).[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Nieuw onderzoekingsvaartuig te water" (in Dutch). Maritiem Den Helder. 21 January 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Met een druk op de knop in Den Haag doopt staatssecretaris Barbara Visser in Den Helder de nieuwste aanwinst van de marine: Hydrograaf H8021" (in Dutch). Noordhollands Dagblad. 26 February 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Expeditionary Servey Boat Hydrograaf named at Damen Shipyards Den Helder". Damen Group. 3 March 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Hydrograaf - Expeditionary Survey Boat" (in Dutch). Marineschepen.nl. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  5. ^ "Nieuw hydrografisch vaartuig voor marine" (in Dutch). Materieelgezien (Ministerie van Defensie). 10 April 2018. Retrieved 8 December 2022.