Last week, the amphibious landing ship HNLMS Johan de Witt arrived at South Harbour, docking at Dunottar Quay. Measuring over 176 meters long with a gross tonnage of 28,395, HNLMS Johan de Witt is the largest warship to dock at Port of Aberdeen in its 888-year history.
In service with the Royal Netherlands Navy since 2007, this impressive vessel is the second in the Rotterdam-class landing platform dock series.
It boasts a large helicopter deck capable of handling six NH90 helicopters or four Chinook helicopters, as well as a dock for substantial landing craft. An additional deck with facilities for command staff enables support for battalion-sized operations.
Onboard, a fully equipped Role II hospital includes an operating theatre and intensive care units, and the ship’s desalination system can convert seawater into potable water.
Port of Aberdeen’s Harbour Master, Benji Morrison, stepped onboard the vessel to personally greet the crew and Commanding Officer.
This visit follows last week’s historic first arrival of a warship at South Harbour.
Benji Morrison said: “We are honoured to welcome HNLMS Johan de Witt to South Harbour this morning for her maiden call at Port of Aberdeen.
“We eagerly anticipate welcoming many more naval vessels to berth, as they leverage the location and expanded capacity of Port of Aberdeen."