The Coastguard will be strengthened with the ENFORCER, a Damen FCS 5009 vessel. This vessel will be deployed in the years ahead to ensure the continuity of maritime security duties in the North Sea. The ENFORCER will provide additional support until the new generation of Coastguard ships goes into operation.
Modern addition to current fleet
The duties of the Coastguard have expanded in recent years to include areas such as maritime security. The Rijksrederij has therefore issued instructions for the charter of the ENFORCER. With this modern vessel, the Coastguard will maintain its capability to supervise, provide assistance and contribute to security in the North Sea.
Multraship ownership
The ENFORCER will be owned by Multraship – which will therefore also be responsible for the vessel’s nautical crew and maintenance. The vessel will be under the operational command of the Netherlands Coastguard.
“We are very proud that the Coastguard and Rijkswaterstaat/Rijksrederij have selected us for this work as well,” says Leendert Muller, general manager of the internationally operating family business from Zeeland (NL). “It ties in well with our present alliance and we are happy to make our contribution to safety and security in the North Sea .”
Thanks in part to the axe bow developed by Damen and Delft University of Technology, the vessel has a top speed of 27 knots (some 50 kilometres an hour). In addition, the ENFORCER has two high-speed tenders for inspections and enforcement at sea. The ship also has a towing system and a fire extinguishing installation.
Strengthening a successful alliance
Multraship is already supplying the Rijksrederij with three Emergency Response and Towing Vessels (ERTVs). These vessels are used for emergency towage operations and general coastguard duties. The addition of the ENFORCER builds on this successful alliance between government and maritime partners.