Belgian Navy minehunter Crocus intensifies patrols after cables damaged in Baltic Sea.

According to information published by the Belgian Navy on October 26, 2023, minehunters are ramping up their patrols due to damages to undersea cables.
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Tripartite class minehunter BNS Crocus. (Picture source: Belgian Navy)

The fleet of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) is intensifying its patrols in the Baltic Sea after two submarine cables linking Estonia and Sweden suffered severe damage.

To promptly detect any suspicious activity, the alliance is also closely monitoring the situation in the Baltic Sea from the air. Reconnaissance aircraft, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), and drones have been deployed for this purpose.

Since the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022, NATO has already strengthened patrols near critical infrastructures. Earlier this year, the Alliance also set up a coordination cell to ensure the security of undersea infrastructures.

The M917 Crocus and the Zr.Ms. Vlaardingen within the Rapid Reaction Force

The M917 Crocus and the Dutch Zr.Ms Vlaardingen are part of the minehunting fleet. The minehunter Crocus joined SNMCMG1 in August. SNMCMG1 is a component of the "NATO Response Force", which focuses, among other things, on removing explosives in the Baltic Sea. Its rapid deployment capability allows the alliance to respond immediately, as it is doing currently.

About the Belgian minehunter

With a displacement of 536 tonnes when empty and 605 tonnes at full load, it possesses a certain level of capacity. It measures 51.5 meters in length, has a beam of 8.96 meters and stands at a height of 18.5 meters.

The propulsion system of this vessel includes a 1370 kW Werkspoor RUB 215 V12 diesel engine, accompanied by two 180 kW ACEC active rudders and a HOLEC bow propellor. This configuration enables a speed of 15 knots, with a range of 3,000 nautical miles at a speed of 12 knots.

Onboard, the Tripartite-class minehunter houses two rigid-hulled inflatable boats and an Atlas Elektronik Seafox ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) to assist in minehunting operations. The crew consists of 4 officers, 15 non-commissioned officers, and 17 sailors, tasked with the operation and maintenance of the vessel.

For detection and navigation, it is equipped with a Thales Underwater Systems TSM 2022 Mk III Hull Mounted Sonar, a SAAB Bofors Double Eagle Mk III Self Propelled Variable Depth Sonar, and a Consilium Selesmar Type T-250/10CM003 Radar.

The minehunter is equipped with three 12.7 mm machine guns. Through the combination of its technical specifications and onboard equipment, the Tripartite-class minehunter serves its role in mine detection and clearance operations, contributing to the safety and security of maritime routes.