Damen to Refit RNLN Torpedo Ship

Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has won the contract for the life-prolonging maintenance and refit project of the Royal Netherlands Navy torpedo ship Zr Ms Mercuur.

The ship, originally built at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in 1987, will be refit to make her suitable for a range of new tasks and assignments. The aim of the maintenance project is to keep the ship operational until 2025.

The bridge layout will be reconfigured with new communications equipment. Furthermore, the bow will be reinforced and several areas will receive a ‘facelift’ – for example, a completely new and fully equipped kitchen will be installed.

During the refit/maintenance project the vessel will be berthed at Damen Shipyards Den Helder, the Netherlands, from September 7, 2015 until the beginning of 2016, when the ship will be towed to Damen Shiprepair Harlingen for dry-docking and painting. The Zr Ms Mercuur needs to be fully operational within 12 months.