Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defence to build three Stan Patrol 5009 cutters for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.
The new vessels will replace the current Jaguar, Panther and Poema cutters. Those vessels are based on the Damen Stan Patrol 4100 design and have been in service for more than 25 years, but are nearing the end of their operational life.
According to Damen Shipyards Group, the new cutters are larger than the vessels they will replace and are designed for the sea conditions of the Caribbean. The company said the vessels will provide better crew comfort and extended mission capability.
The cutters will be fitted with modern sensors, including an advanced surveillance radar and an electro-optical sensor. These systems are intended to support surveillance operations during day and night, and in all weather conditions.
Alongside the three cutters, Damen Shipyards Group will also deliver four Fast Interceptor 1102 boats. One boat will be assigned to each vessel, while the additional unit will be used for training and maintenance rotation.
The interceptor boats are designed to intercept fast smuggling vessels and support law enforcement operations across the region.
The new cutters are expected to be operational by early 2029. They are intended for maritime surveillance, border control, search and rescue, and anti-smuggling operations in the Caribbean.
