Three RBDF Ships Sent to Netherlands for Major Repairs

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Ministry of National Security is sending three of the Defence Force’s flagships to the Netherlands to be repaired.

The world’s largest submersible heavy-lift ship docked in Nassau Harbour last night to receive the vessels, with millions of dollars to be invested in the repair process.

Three Royal Bahamas Defence Force ships are set to be restored to their former glory.

The Rolly Gray, the HMBS Arthur Dion Hanna — named after a former governor general — and the HMBS Cascarilla were boarded onto the M/V Yacht Servant Sunday night for transport to the Netherlands, where they will undergo extensive repairs.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said the work is long overdue.

Wayne Munroe K.C., Minister of National Security
“You have to maintain them properly. You have to dry dock them. You have to run them only to the manufacturer’s specifications. So if the endurance is 30 days, you can’t send it on patrol for 60, for 14 days, 21 days and similar. They’ve not been necessarily run as they ought to be to match manufacturer specs, and we’re determined to correct that.”

The vessel transporting the ships is the world’s largest purpose-built submersible transport ship.

It uses a ballast system that allows its deck to submerge, enabling vessels to float on and off with ease.

Defence Force officials say the journey will also serve as a training opportunity for Bahamian officers.

Floyd Moxey, Commodore, Royal Bahamas Defence Force
“What is good about this operation is the mechanics and the electricians. They will sail to the Netherlands with the patrol craft, and they will be doing some maintenance to prepare vessels for a refit at the designated shipyard. It’s a good learning experience for them.”

Commodore Moxey added that additional investment is required to fully restore the fleet.

Floyd Moxey, Commodore, Royal Bahamas Defence Force
“To bring this fleet back to optimum operability, we will need to spend in excess of $50 million over the next five to 10 years, and we need to do that. It’s the only way that we will accomplish our mandate.”

Defence Force officials say the first vessel is expected to return within the next four to six months.