Dutch marines to procure 20 new landing craft to replace LCVPs

The Netherlands Marine Corps' existing fleet of 12 LCVPs will be replaced by 20 new landing craft, comprising a mix of eight LACs and 12 LCMs. (Netherlands MoD)

The Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) has outlined plans for the replacement of the Netherlands Marine Corps' landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP) vessels from 2025.

In a 23 March report to the Dutch parliament's House of Representatives, State Secretary of Defence Christophe van der Maat said the existing fleet of 12 LCVPs would approach the end of their service lives in 2024. The replacement project will invest EUR100–250 million (USD108–270 million) in 20 new landing craft. These will be delivered in two types: 12 Littoral Assault Craft (LAC), to be bought off-the-shelf, for the transport of military personnel; and eight larger newbuild Littoral Craft Mobility (LCM) for the transport of material and associated personnel.

The new vessels are required to be faster, cover longer distances, be deployable in higher sea states, and provide better protection in poor weather conditions than the current LCVPs. The engines will also need to take into account the latest emission requirements.

As an off-the-shelf acquisition, the LACs will require only minimal modifications to be hoisted on the Royal Netherlands Navy's (RNLN's) large amphibious ships, with deliveries of the first units to start in 2025.

The larger LCMs will be a bespoke platform, with deliveries planned to start in the 2028–29 timeframe.