Fleet replenishment: the Ukrainian Navy received the mine countermeasure ship 'Henichesk' from the Netherlands

The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received from the Kingdom of the Netherlands another mine-countermeasure vessel of the Alkmaar class. The ship was named “Henichesk” and transferred to Ukraine as part of the Coalition of Maritime Capabilities.

This was reported on 15 June 2026 by the Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa.

During the official ceremony, the Commander of the Naval Forces of the AFU Oleksiy Neizhpapa hoisted the flag of the Ukrainian Navy on the new ship. The event was also attended by the commanders of the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Royal Belgian Navy, as well as representatives of the navies of Romania, Lithuania and Latvia.

Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksiy Neizhpapa spoke about the official ceremony of raising the Ukrainian flag on the new minehunter.

“During the official ceremony I had the honor to raise the flag of the Ukrainian Navy on the new minehunter “Henichesk” in the presence of the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Commander of the Royal Belgian Navy, and the commanders of the navies of Romania, Lithuania and Latvia”, – said Oleksiy Neizhpapa.

The transfer of the ship took place within the activities of the Coalition of Maritime Capabilities, which helps Ukraine strengthen its fleet during the war and prepare for future mine clearance of the maritime waters.

The new ship was named after the Ukrainian vessel “Henichesk”, which tragically was lost while carrying out a combat mission near the Kinburn Spit in June 2022.

Oleksiy Neizhpapa thanked the partners for the donated ship and its excellent condition. He assured that the Ukrainian crew will dutifully carry out missions for the safety of the Black Sea.

The ship’s main task is the search, detection and neutralization of sea mines. For Ukraine, which has faced a large-scale mine threat at sea due to Russian aggression, such vessels have strategic importance.

There are now five mine-countermeasure vessels in the Ukrainian Naval Forces. Previously, the United Kingdom transferred the ships “Cherkasy” and “Chernihiv” to Ukraine. Belgium and the Netherlands also provided the mine-countermeasure vessels “Melitopol” and “Mariupol”.

Strengthening the mine-countermeasure fleet is important not only for military tasks. After the end of hostilities, such ships will be needed to clear the Black Sea of mines and explosive ordnance in order to restore safe navigation, the operation of ports and sea routes.

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