Damen Asks Dutch firm to Supply Freshwater Systems for Belgian-Dutch ASW Frigates

Damen Naval will partner with Dutch company Hatenboer-Water on all freshwater systems on board the four Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF) being built for the Netherlands and Belgium.

Safe and clean water on board is essential and we look forward to working with Hatenboer-Water, Damen said in a statement.

Damen Naval signed the contract for the design and construction of the ASWF in June 2023. The frigates will be deployable for multiple tasks, although the emphasis will be on anti-submarine warfare. They are the replacements for the current Karel Doorman-class Multipurpose Frigates. With the end of life of these ships in sight, the Netherlands and Belgium have decided on a joint replacement programme. To this end, two frigates will be built for the Royal Netherlands Navy and two for the Belgian Navy.

Schiedam-based Hatenboer-Water has been supplying water supply systems to ships worldwide since 1906 and introduced the ‘Safe Water on Board’ concept, combining water treatment and distribution installation with global assistance for management and maintenance. The company also supplies the water systems for the F126 frigates that Damen Naval is building for the German navy. 

The first vessel is scheduled to be delivered by Damen Naval in 2028.