In Vlissingen, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian sailors currently undergoing training aboard the ship. A significant number of the sailors have combat experience, including at sea. During the visit, several servicemen were awarded state decorations.
According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, Alkmaar-class vessels are designed to ensure maritime safety by countering naval mines in open waters, coastal zones, and port approaches. They can also support amphibious operations by clearing coastal areas and are capable of locating sunken objects that pose risks to navigation.
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The vessel has a displacement of approximately 543 tonnes, a length of 51.5 meters, and a crew of up to 38 personnel. Its maximum speed reaches 13 knots. It is powered by a diesel propulsion system for transit, complemented by auxiliary thrusters that enable precise maneuvering during mine countermeasure operations.
The minehunter is equipped with hull-mounted sonar systems for detecting underwater threats. In more complex conditions, remotely operated vehicles and variable-depth sonar systems are used to classify detected objects. The onboard command system integrates sensor data and coordinates mine countermeasure activities.
The primary tools for mine neutralization are remotely operated vehicles, including SeaFox systems, which can deliver explosive charges directly to identified targets. Divers may also be deployed for specialized explosive ordnance disposal tasks.
A key feature of the Alkmaar-class is its non-magnetic hull made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, which reduces the risk of triggering magnetic mines. This approach is standard for mine countermeasure vessels.
Ukraine is expected to receive Henichesk as the fifth vessel of this type. Previously, similar ships were transferred by the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands, including the Sandown-class Cherkasy and Chernihiv, as well as the Alkmaar-class Mariupol and Melitopol.
The vessel is expected to participate in the Sea Breeze exercise in 2027. For now, all transferred minehunters are planned to remain based in the United Kingdom. After the war, they will play a key role in clearing Ukrainian waters of mines and strengthening the Navy’s capabilities.
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