M940 Oostende officially christened: new generation of mine countermeasure vessels strengthens maritime security

General

ABC Engines celebrates the official christening of the M940 Oostende, the new state-of-the-art mine countermeasure vessel of the Belgian Navy, which took place yesterday in its namesake city of Ostend. As the supplier of the onboard generator sets, ABC follows this important milestone with particular interest.

The Oostende is part of the Replacement Mine Countermeasures (rMCM) programme, awarded in 2019 to the Belgium Naval & Robotics consortium, a partnership between Naval Group and Exail. The programme covers the construction of twelve mine countermeasure vessels, six for Belgium and six for the Netherlands, complemented by a fleet of approximately one hundred drones.

As the first vessel of the new City class, the Oostende is equipped with three powerful ABC generator sets, designed and manufactured in Belgium. These generator sets provide the power required for propulsion and the advanced onboard systems of this next-generation vessel.

"From the North Sea and far beyond, customers worldwide rely on ABC engines for applications where performance and reliability are essential. The M940 Oostende symbolises a new generation of maritime technology, where innovation, safety and operational capability come together. We are particularly proud that our engine technology contributes to one of the most advanced mine countermeasure vessels in the world" , said Jean-Christophe Van Acker, Sales Manager at ABC Engines.

Thanks to an integrated toolbox of autonomous surface, underwater and aerial drones, the Oostende can detect, classify and neutralise sea mines from a safe distance. This technology not only enhances crew safety but also makes mine countermeasure operations more efficient and precise.

With the commissioning of the Oostende, the Belgian Navy takes an important step towards the future of maritime security. By combining innovative technology, operational capability and international cooperation, the vessel contributes to a safer and more secure maritime domain in Europe.

ABC Engines is pleased to be part of this advanced programme and wishes the crew of M940 Oostende and all partners involved fair winds and successful missions.

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Photos: © Jorn Urbain