SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - The naval vessel HNLMS Friesland arrived in the port of Willemstad, Curacao on Sunday, September 13, 2026. After a three-month period in the Netherlands, HNLMS Friesland has returned to the Caribbean to take over the role of station ship from HNLMS Groningen.
The ship will patrol the region in the coming months and stand ready to provide emergency assistance.
HNLMS Groningen conducted patrols in the Caribbean over the past few months. As the station ship, it served as the eyes and ears of Defense at sea in the Caribbean Region and has been mapping the security situation through its monitoring activities.
The ship also supported the Caribbean Coast Guard in detecting and intercepting drug shipments.
Earthquake in Venezuela
In late June, HNLMS Groningen contributed to relief efforts following the earthquakes in Venezuela.
The station ship transported tens of thousands of kilograms of relief supplies to the affected areas, including drinking water, food, and medical supplies for the injured and for people who had lost their homes.
With the presence of a station ship in the region, the Dutch Armed Forces contribute to peace and security in the Caribbean Region.
