---
title: "New ship 'Henichesk': how the Netherlands strengthened Ukraine's mine countermeasures fleet"
description: "🇳🇱 The Netherlands has transferred a new mine countermeasures vessel 'Henichesk' to Ukraine — the fifth in the series within the Maritime Capabilities Coalition. The ship strengthens the Navy's capabilities in searching for and neutralizing mines. 🚢💣"
date: 2026-06-15T09:56:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/new-ship-henichesk-how-the-netherlands-strengthened-ukraines-mine-countermeasures-fleet
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# New ship 'Henichesk': how the Netherlands strengthened Ukraine's mine countermeasures fleet

![Ship 'Genichesk' (M314) at anchor in the port, decorated with flags symbolizing Dutch support for the Ukrainian mine countermeasures fleet](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/15/novyi-korabl-genichesk-kak-niderlandy-usilili-protivominnyy-flot-ukrainy/novyi-korabl-genichesk-kak-niderlandy-usilili-protivominnyy-flot-ukrainy-1.webp)

The Ukrainian Navy has received a new addition from the Netherlands — a new Alkmaar-class mine countermeasures vessel. The handover took place within the framework of the Maritime Capabilities Coalition, established to support Ukraine in combating the mine threat on sea routes.

### Name in honor of a heroic minesweeper

The new ship was named 'Henichesk' — in memory of a raid minesweeper with the same name, which was sunk while carrying out a combat mission, covering special forces ships. This name has become a symbol of the courage and self-sacrifice of Ukrainian sailors.

### Strengthening mine countermeasures capabilities

As emphasized by the Armed Forces of Ukraine Navy, 'Henichesk' will significantly enhance the fleet's capabilities in searching for, detecting, and neutralizing naval mines. Now, the Navy consists of five mine countermeasures vessels: two Sandown-class ('Cherkasy' and 'Chernihiv') from the United Kingdom and three Alkmaar-class — 'Melitopol', 'Mariupol', and now 'Henichesk' from Belgium and the Netherlands.

### Technical specifications and armament

The ship has a displacement of 571 tons, a length of 51.6 meters, a width of 8.9 meters, and a draft of 3.8 meters. The hull is made of fiberglass, which ensures high resistance to mine explosions. Armament includes a 20mm gun and three 12.7mm machine guns.

The power plant consists of a diesel engine for long-range passages and a system of auxiliary thrusters, ensuring precise maneuvering during mine countermeasures operations.

### Detection and destruction of mines

A Hull Mounted Sonar is installed on board for detecting underwater objects, including mines. In complex conditions, remotely operated underwater vehicles and towed observation systems are used.

The main means of neutralizing mines are SeaFox-type ROVs, which identify objects and destroy them using an explosive charge. If necessary, divers are involved to carry out special demolition work.

### Crew training

Previously, the Ukrainian crew completed exercises on the Dutch minesweeper Zr.Ms. Makkum. 35 sailors were involved in the exercises, which indicates thorough preparation of the personnel for operating the new ship.