The Nigerian and Netherlands navies have teamed up to improve the rule of law within their territorial waters and exclusive economic zones and better combat illegal fishing, human smuggling, drug trafficking, oil theft and piracy.
To this end, the HNLMS Rotterdam ship has berth in the Nigeria shore with almost all the crews from, Netherlands. The ship is described as a “special purpose vessel for transport of marines, materials and stores, having accommodation for 611 marines and 128 crews. It can be a dockwell for six small landing crafts and landing spot and hanger for six helicopters.”
It was revealed that HNLMS Rotterdam can also act as helicopter platform for anti-submarine warfare, transport of army and air force equipment, act as support platform for mine hunters, act as platform for anti-terrorists operations, support peace keeping and peace enforcing operations and humanitarian operations, including assist in disaster relief.
But the capability and performance of the ship was not what Netherlands Navy was in Nigeria for. Neither had the Navy left their country to come to Nigeria for sightseeing.
Netherlands Maritime Force/Maritime Battle staff, including a multinational landing force and in close cooperation with HNLMS Rotterdam plans and conducts a deployment along the African West Coast, in order to achieve both national objectives.
Highlighting the major reason for the Netherlands Navy presence, the Ambassador of Netherlands in Nigeria, Mr. John Groffen said: “For the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, strengthening our bilateral economic ties is a top priority. This visit is characterised by the combined focus of strong economic relations and constructive cooperation in the field of regional security. These are core topics of this embassy.”
According to him, he also met and discussed with President Good Luck Jonathan, so the two countries would find ways to strengthen and tighten relationship. He explained that HNLMS Rotterdam’s crew is “known for their can-do mentality.”
But the icing on the cake is that the HNLMS Rotterdam will conduct join trainings with Nigeria and also function as high level business event in West Africa’s main ports, presenting opportunities for Nigeria, other Africa countries, as well as Dutch business. This will increase regional prosperity.
This combined training between Nigeria and Netherlands Navies, codenamed, ‘African Winds 2013’ will witness highlight the importance of regional security as served by the Royal Netherlands Navy and its international partners.
Journalists were taken on a tour of the ship, which also has an equipped hospital.
The Commanding Officer HNLMS Rotterdam, Captain Jan Hubert Hulsker, addressing journalists, said they had also been to Ghana and Morocco.
Mission Commander African Partnership Station (APS) 2013, Colonel Frederick Swart spoke on the desired end result, emphasising the significance of the 3D- Defence, Diplomacy and Development. Defence entails the training and exercise of own forces, Development had to do with maritime capacity building through support of the APS programme and Diplomacy supports building diplomatic and economic relationships.
According to Swart, their coming to Nigeria and subsequent training would be a mutual benefit for military forces in both countries.
Fielding questions from journalists, Swart said: “African winds 2013 is not just about military forces training or exercise, but also about development. Last year, this ship was in Somalia waters. A lot has to be done on land to counter piracy than on sea. Calling the Navy is usually the last resort. This will benefit Nigeria because they would be getting experience from nation that already has experiences and knowledge.”
He also added that the experience acquisition was a two-way thing, because, “We got from Nigerian Navy how to carry out operation on small boats, at the riverine areas. This was an experience we didn’t have before.”
The APS
is an international initiative developed by United States Naval Forces
Europe-Africa, which works cooperatively with U.S. and international partners
to improve maritime safety and security in Africa as part of U.S. Africa
Command's Security Cooperation programme.
It is a
strategic program designed to build the skills, expertise and professionalism
of African militaries, coast guards and mariners. Its program is delivered in
many forms including ship visits, aircraft visits and training teams. APS
activities consist of joint exercises, port visits, hands-on practical courses,
professional training and community outreach with the coastal nations of
Africa. APS also works to increase maritime safety by teaching skills that enhance
a nation's ability to respond to mariners in distress.
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