The new vessel, approved by the Belgian Council of Ministers on November 5, 2024, will join the existing Castor-class patrol ships Castor and Pollux, enhancing the Navy’s ability to conduct law enforcement, anti-smuggling operations, pollution control, and infrastructure protection in Belgian waters.
The vessel, scheduled to be operational by 2027, will be built by the French shipyard SOCARENAM. This addition comes in response to growing security demands in the region, driven by the expansion of offshore infrastructure and a rising presence of non-NATO vessels. Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder emphasized the vessel’s critical role in strengthening Belgium’s naval capabilities, particularly in NATO operations, monitoring foreign military activities, and safeguarding economic interests in Belgium’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Castor-Class Patrol Vessels
The new CPV will be based on the Castor-class design, with each vessel measuring 53.5 meters in length, 9.5 meters in beam, and a draft of 3.19 meters. Weighing 455 tons, these vessels are purpose-built for coastal patrol missions. They are powered by two MTU 16V4000M73L diesel engines, each generating 2,880 kW, allowing them to reach a top speed of 21 knots. The vessels have a cruising range of 2,800 nautical miles at 16 knots and can extend their range to 4,500 nautical miles at 12 knots.
For defense, the Castor-class vessels are equipped with an FN Herstal Sea deFNder remote-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm M2HB-QCB heavy machine gun. The vessels also have mounts for light machine guns and carry two Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs)—a 9-meter RHIB deployed from a stern ramp and a 7.5-meter RHIB launched by davit. Both RHIBs are capable of speeds up to 37 knots, supporting boarding and search-and-rescue (SAR) missions. The standard crew complement is 15, with space for up to 30 personnel when needed.
SOCARENAM’s Role in Modernizing the Belgian Navy
SOCARENAM, a French shipbuilding company founded in 1961, has played a significant role in modernizing the Belgian Navy’s fleet. Known for building durable and versatile vessels ranging from 10 to over 80 meters, SOCARENAM has delivered more than 300 ships over its storied history. The company is also recognized for developing Ready Duty Ships (RDS), 53-meter patrol boats designed to support coastal operations and provide rapid intervention. These vessels, like the Castor-class, feature both davit-launched and ramp-deployed boats, as well as a remote 12.7 mm machine gun and accommodation for up to 30 crew members.
The new patrol vessel marks a continued effort to enhance the Belgian Navy’s operational capacity, particularly in securing the North Sea, a critical area for both national defense and commercial interests. With the growing complexity of offshore security, Belgium’s investment in additional patrol vessels underscores the strategic importance of maritime defense in the region.