Heinen & Hopman to supply HVAC-R and CBRN filter systems for Dutch/Bel…

The new class of the ASWFs is planned to enter service with the Netherlands and Belgian navies from 2029 to 2031. (Damen)

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval has awarded Heinen & Hopman a contract to supply the climate and filtration systems for the four new anti-submarine warfare frigates (ASWFs) on order for the Netherlands and Belgian navies.

Under the contract, announced on 26 September, the Spakenburg-based company will supply a complete heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAR-R) system as well as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) filtration system for the four ships.

The Dutch Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract for the design, build, and delivery of the ASWFs on 29 June 2023. Under their joint ASWF programme, the Belgian and Dutch navies are procuring two ships each to replace their respective M-class multi-purpose frigates.

The latest contract follows two other awards to local suppliers as the ASWF programme seeks to maximise participation from the Dutch shipbuilding industry.

Under contracts awarded in June and July, respectively, Thales Nederland is supplying the ships' above water warfare system fire-control cluster and sensor suite, while RH Marine will equip the frigates with its integrated mission management system (IMMS), integrated navigation bridge system (INBS), and integrated platform management system (IPMS).

Italian manufacturer Leonardo, meanwhile, will supply four 76/62 Sovraponte lightweight medium-calibre guns for the frigates under a contract awarded by the Dutch Ministry of Defence in July.

The ASWFs are scheduled to be delivered from 2028 to 2030, with entry into service planned from 2029 to 2031.