Royal Netherlands Navy’s LCU Mk II Embarks on Mid-Life Upgrade
The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN), or Koninklijke Marine, has initiated the mid-life upgrade (MLU) program for its Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk II, with the first of five units undergoing this extensive refurbishment. De Haas Shipyards, awarded the contract in October 2022, is tasked with completing the MLU by 2025. This comprehensive overhaul encompasses various enhancements, including modernizing crew and mess facilities to improve endurance, a thorough hull and structure overhaul, upgrades to machinery and propulsion systems to extend the range, and the provisioning of stores to facilitate logistical support. As reported by Janes, the inaugural unit, L 9525, entered dry dock at De Haas Shipyards in Rotterdam on January 21.
The LCU Mark II stands as the Royal Netherlands Navy’s largest landing craft, primarily dedicated to transporting equipment and troops to the shoreline. These versatile vessels are capable of conveying light tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops from amphibious assault ships to beachheads or piers. Four of the LCUs (two for each) are assigned to the RNLN’s landing platform docks (LPDs) Rotterdam (L 800) and Johan de Witt (L 801), while the remaining units are used for training and maintenance purposes. The LCU Mark II operates on the roll-on, roll-off (RORO) principle, enabling vehicles to embark on one side and disembark from the other.
The order for the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessels was placed with Visser Dockyard in Den Helder in 1996, with the inaugural unit being constructed and commissioned in 1998. Subsequent vessels were built at Damen Shipyard in Romania, Galati, and finalized in Den Helder. Between 2003 and 2005, the LCUs underwent lengthening modifications to reduce their draft. These vessels boast a full load displacement of 255 tonnes, measuring 36.3 meters in length, 6.85 meters in width, and having a draft of 1.4 meters. Their top speed reaches 9 knots, and they can cover a range of 400 nautical miles at 8 knots. The LCUs have the capacity to transport either 130 troops or 65 tonnes of vehicles, comprising three trucks and two light armored vehicles.
