Royal Netherlands Navy HNLMS De Ruyter is officially deployed in the Strait of Hormuz. There, the navy ship participates in the European security mission. This mission intends to reduce tensions in the area around Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Between these countries, the Strait of Hormuz is an important sailing route from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. The Strait of Hormuz is a maritime territory of economic importance because it is the only sea route for the transportation of oil from the Gulf region to the rest of the world.
The official name of the mission is European-led Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASHO). It is being led by France and Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy and Portugal are also contributing. The objective of these European countries is to prevent incidents at sea. Last year, serious incidents took place in the region. Six oil tankers were severely damaged and two were detained. In addition to this military maritime deployment, there is also a diplomatic aspect to the mission.
HNLMS De Ruyter (Dutch: Zr. Ms. De Ruyter) is a De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate of the Royal Netherlands Navy. She was laid down in 2000, launched in 2002, and commissioned in 2004, the third ship of her class to enter service. The frigate is named after Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter (1607–1676). De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates are highly advanced air-defence and command frigates in service with the Royal Navy of the Netherlands (Koninklijke Marine). The ships are similar to the German Sachsen-class frigates in role and mission.
