On 1 October 2020 HNLMS Pelikaan returned to the familiar waters of the Caribbean. On 17 September Damen Shipyards Den Helder  delivered the HNLMS Pelikaan to the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) following a mid-life upgrade lasting eight months.

Following the work, the vessel, which Damen delivered to the RNLN in 2006, is ready for a further 15 years’ service.

At the end of November 2019, the Caribbean support vessel returned to the Dutch coast for the first time since she was put into service in 2006.

After operating for 13 years in the Caribbean Sea in support of maritime operations and in the delivery of humanitarian relief, it was time for major maintenance works. This took place at the Damen yards in Den Helder and Harlingen.

Works carried out included installing new nautical, communication and automation systems, galley upgrade and regular maintenance such as maintenance of the two main engines.

The most important upgrade was the installation of a considerably heavier crane, the main weapon system of HNLMS Pelikaan.

This crane is crucial for, among other things, being able to independently carry out emergency relief operations in the Caribbean.

The crane is not only considerably heavier, more modern and more user-friendly than its predecessor, it also facilitates the use of a new fast raiding interceptor and special forces craft (FRISC).

This fast and manoeuvrable craft enables HNLMS Pelikaan to act more effectively in the fight against drug smuggling. Furthermore, the scope of work involved the renewal of all onboard accommodation, including making the vessel more suitable for female passengers.