The HNLMS Groningen has arrived in Curaçao to begin its deployment as the Dutch Navy’s war station ship in the Caribbean, taking over the role from HNLMS Friesland after four months of exhausting maritime operations in the region.
The armed patrol vessel arrived on the island on Thursday and will spend the coming months carrying out a range of so-called security missions along the coast of Venezuela, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
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As the Kingdom’s station ship, Groningen will be responsible for supporting surveillance, law enforcement operations, and the fight against illegal activities such as drug trafficking and maritime human smuggling.
The vessel will operate in close cooperation with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and regional military partners.
In addition to its security responsibilities, HNLMS Groningen is also prepared to provide emergency assistance during the Atlantic hurricane season. The vessel can be deployed rapidly in the event of natural disasters affecting islands across the Caribbean.
Curacao Chronicle / ABC Flash Point News 2026.
