Holland-class destroyer

The Holland class destroyers were built for the Royal Netherlands Navy in the 1950s. They were the first major ships designed and built by the Dutch after World War II. In contrast to previous Dutch Navy practice the ships were named after provinces rather than Admirals.

Design
These ships were unusual as they were the first destroyers built without large calibre anti-ship torpedoes. Their primary role was anti-submarine warfare and convoy defence. The armament comprised two twin Bofors 120 mm guns which were capable of 45 rounds per minute. The mountings were automated and stabilised with radar control. Anti-submarine weaponry consisted of two Bofors anti-submarine mortars.

The machinery was ordered before the war for the Gerard Callenburgh-class destroyers and hidden during the German occupation. The turbines were built by Werkspoor and four boilers were used. The ships had a unit machinery layout.

The superstructure was built of aluminum alloy in order to reduce weight and electric welding was used throughout.

The Netherlands navy considered replacing the after 120 mm turret with a guided missile system in the late 1950s but this project was cancelled.