A rather imposing Dutch visitor
HNLMS Johan de Witt
Thursday 3 September was a grey, misty day in Plymouth - and as the mist and drizzle rolled in over The Sound, a rather imposing Dutch visitor quietly made her way around Drake’s Island and into The Hamoaze, on her way to Devonport Dockyard.
She's HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801), a Royal Netherlands Navy amphibious transport ship – and at 176 metres long, she's not exactly easy to miss!
Entering service in 2007, the Johan de Witt is rather more than a big ship. She's effectively a floating airfield, harbour, vehicle garage, hospital, hotel and command centre, all rolled into one.
She can transport a full battalion of Dutch Marines, together with their vehicles and equipment, and has facilities for landing craft and helicopters.
She can also act as a command ship, coordinating operations from the sea.
Namesake
The ship is named after Johan de Witt, the 17th-century Dutch statesman, and carries the pennant number L801.
And if you were wondering whether that enormous flat deck really is a helipad… yes, it is! She can carry up to six helicopters.
Another fascinating visitor to Plymouth – and one that makes our waterfront look pretty small by comparison!
Find out more about the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Why do ships take the same dedicated route into Devonport Dockyard? Click here to find out.
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