Rotterdam
The Rotterdam has been specially built to conduct amphibious operations and has a large multirole capacity. It can accommodate 600 marines over long distances and has stowage for 170 light vehicles or 33 tanks. It has a hangar bay capable of holding several helicopters, and two Sea Kings can operate from its helicopter deck simultaneously. The Rotterdam has a crew of about 120.
The Dutch Rotterdam class Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ship has a displacement of 14000 tons. The mission of the Rotterdam class is as an amphibious support ship capable of world wide operation. Rotterdam is capable of carrying out helicopter operations in high sea states, up to Sea State 6. Operations with landing craft are possible up to Sea State 4. Amphibious tasks include the ability to embark, transport and disembark one Marine Corps battalion, including the associated combat and logistic support vehicles and equipment.
A second ship in the class is scheduled to enter service in 2007. This ship will likely be an enhanced derivative of Rotterdam, including expanded amphibious command and control facilities and possibly a larger flight deck. In addition to platforms, the Dutch will also contribute a full Royal Netherlands Marine Corps battalion plus its supporting units, while they plan to provide a “balanced task group comprising frigates, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft, supported by submarines and mine countermeasure ships” to escort the amphibious task group from Western Europe to a crisis area where it would be needed.
The ship carries provisions and stores for battalion transportation for more than 10 days. The vessel is also capable of transferring reserve forces and for the evacuation of casualties. Two Signaal Goalkeeper close in weapon systems are installed on the bow deck and on the upper deck immediately overlooking the helicopter landing deck. To support the Goalkeeper CIWS, a Signaal IRSCAN infrared search and track system is fitted. IRSCAN can detect and track targets to a maximum range of 20 km. Four Oerlikon 20 mm guns are located on the bridge deck. Rotterdam has the capacity to carry up to 36 torpedoes in the magazine area.
As well as armaments, Hr Ms Rotterdam has extensive fully equipped hospital facilities with a medical treatment room, a medical operating theatre and a medical laboratory. The 58 x 25 metre flight deck has landing spots for two large helicopters such as the EH 101. The aircraft hangar is sufficiently large to accommodate up to four EH101 helicopter or six medium size helicopters such as the Super Puma or the NH 90. The hangar has extensive helicopter maintenance and spares facilities. Hr Ms Rotterdam has facilities to transport 170 armoured personnel carriers, or 33 main battle tanks, and also docking facilities for up to six landing craft, for example six LCVP Mark 3, four LCU Mark 9 or four LCM 8 landing craft.
The ship is operated by a crew of 124 including 13 officers. Accommodation is also provided for a fully equipped marine battalion or up to 613 troops. The ship is equipped with four Stork Wartsila diesel generators, model 12SW28 generating 14 MW, and two Holec motors generating 12 MW, driving two shafts. The bow thruster is rated at 185 kW. The top speed is over 18 knots, and the range at 12 knots is over 6,000 miles.
