Why is a Dutch navy ship travelling the world over?
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In March the Dutch frigate HNLMS Tromp set off on a seven-month operation to patrol the world's seas, contributing to security and safe passage at sea. The Netherlands, as a trading nation, sets store by cargo ships being able to freely navigate the seas. One of the reasons is to prevent products from becoming more expensive.
On 9 March the navy ship departed for a seventh-month journey that include exercises with partners and allies. To date, it has been deployed for security at sea and to ensure safe passage in the Red Sea, before moving on to the Indo-Pacific. It will return to Den Helder via the Kingdom in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean.
Why is security at sea so important?
HNLMS Tromp is contributing to security and safe passage at sea because the sea belongs to everyone. This is laid down in an international agreement called the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Netherlands believes it is important that cargo ships can transport goods by sea safely and freely. Disruptions to these trade routes have a direct impact on the world economy. If routes are disrupted, one effect is that the price of products will increase.
First stop: the Red Sea
HNLMS Tromp’s first destination was the Red Sea, a crucial shipping route between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean. Approximately 12% of global trade and one third of the world’s container ships pass through the Suez Canal. Safe passage though the Red Sea is of global importance. If this free passage is disrupted, the effects are felt all over the world.
What was HNLMS Tromp doing in the Red Sea?
There is currently a lot of unrest in the Red Sea. Ships are being attacked with rockets and drones by Houthis. In response, ships are navigating an alternative route, via South Africa. This makes the journey 10 to 12 days longer, which uses a lot more fuel. And this is driving up prices worldwide. The attacks may also lead to food shortages. For example, commercial ships transport grain that is needed to keep bread affordable.
This is also why HNLMS Tromp previously participated in Operation Prosperity Guardian, the aim of which was to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. In this way, the Netherlands can contribute to security and safe passage in the Red Sea.
Indo-Pacific
Having spent approximately 25 days assisting in the Red Sea, HNLMS Tromp continued on to the Indo-Pacific. The Dutch navy deploys a ship to the Indo-Pacific every two years. This region is important because two-thirds of crude oil transport and a third of global freight traffic passes through the Indian Ocean.
The Netherlands is developing increasingly close ties with countries in this region when it comes to politics, trade and security.
Partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific focus on areas including:
- free passage
- maritime security
- cybersecurity
- counterterrorism
- police cooperation.
HNLMS Tromp in the Indo-Pacific
India
Mumbai, India, was HNLMS’s first port of call after the exercise in the Red Sea. India has the world's largest population, and will be the third largest economy in the world by 2030. The aim of the visit was to strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade, security and technology, building on a long tradition of mutual respect and cooperation.
Singapore
Singapore is an important strategic partner in the region. Its geographical location gives it a hub function between the West and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). The Netherlands and Singapore have a lot in common. For example, both our countries have a hub function in their respective regions and an open economy.
Indonesia
This port visit was an important gesture of friendship and cooperation between the Netherlands and Indonesia, two countries that share historical and cultural ties. The navy ship's visit to Jakarta emphasises the importance of maritime safety and stability in the region.
Vietnam
The Netherlands is the largest EU investor in Vietnam and the country’s second largest EU trading partner. More than 100 Dutch businesses are based in Vietnam. To reflect this, HNLMS Tromp visited the port of Hải Phòng from 24 to 27 May.
South Korea
The navy ship then stopped at the Port of Busan in South Korea. This visit affirmed the strong partnership between the Netherlands and South Korea. Both countries are committed to free passage, maritime safety and economic cooperation.
HNLMS Tromp also patrolled the East China Sea in support of the United Nations. This is to enforce maritime sanctions against North Korea as defined in UN Security Council resolutions.
Japan
The journey through the Indo-Pacific drew to a close with a visit to Japan, which has enjoyed a close partnership with the Netherlands for centuries. This visit celebrated our shared history and strengthened our economic ties, creating new opportunities for partnership in sectors including high-tech innovation and agriculture.
Following her visit to Japan, HNLMS Tromp is returning to the Netherlands via the Kingdom in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean.
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