Netherlands Navy vessel visits Portsmouth

Netherlands Navy hydrographic survey ship HNLMS Luymes visited Portsmouth at the weekend for some rest and recreation.

One of two hydrographic survey vessels in the Netherlands Navy, HNMLS Luymes is named after the hydrographer Johan Lambertus Hendrikus Luymes and has a crew of 18.

The vessel is usually tasked with surveying the waters of the Netherland’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the North Sea and those around the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean Sea.

Twice a year the crew of HNLMS Luymes can choose a foreign port to stay at and on this occasion they chose Portsmouth.

The ships Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Jeroen Lokerse said: “The crew has been looking forward to spend the Bank Holiday weekend in Portsmouth.

“Although the visit purpose is mainly for crew rest and recreation, the visit also underlines the close partnership between the UK and the Netherlands both bilaterally and through NATO.”

Portsmouth Naval Base Commander Commodore Jeremy Bailey said: “I am delighted that HNLMS Luymes has chosen to visit Portsmouth for the Bank Holiday weekend. 

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome valued NATO and bilateral allies and partners to continue to build our collective operational experience.  I wish them a highly enjoyable stay in our city.”