Of the news yesterday on the Irish Government’s plan to acquire a €200m Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) for the Naval Service, is based upon options, among them a design similar to a Dutch Navy vessel which by coincidence was in the Irish Sea last night, writes Jehan Ashmore.

HNLMS Karel Doorman (A833) the largest vessel of the Royal Netherland Navy with ro-ro capability and medical facilities, was tracked by Afloat.ie at 2200hrs last night when offshore of Wicklow Head, following a previous port of call to Plymouth, Devon on Wednesday.

The Dutch auxiliary vessel called to the neighbouring Royal Navy base in Devonport when under tow of tugs operated by Serco, which has the contract to provide such services at the south-west England facility.

As of today, Afloat caught up with the HNLMS Karel Doorman, as the 27,800 displacement tonnes vessel was approaching Belfast Harbour.

A pair of local tugs stationed at the port came out this afternoon to escort the naval visitor which features an extensive helicopter landing area on the aft deck. The 204m auxiliary was built by the naval division of the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group, as a joint logistic support ship with a range of 10,000 nautical miles and is designed to support amphibious operations.

The tugs on Belfast Lough operated by SMS Towage, involved the Masterman which assisted at the bow of HNLMS Karel Doorman, whereas Merchantman handled operations at the stern. Towing operations saw the ship swung around off the entrance to Harland & Wolff’s Belfast Dry-Dock occupied by the tanker Songa Crystal, in which there will be further coverage.

Berthing was made complete of the naval visitor which came alongside the quay during lunch-hour.

As previously reported, HNLMS Karel Doorman made a visit to Cobh, Cork Harbour in 2021 and the following year again to berth at the town’s deep water cruise terminal.