According to information published by the Belgian MoD on November 5, 2024, Belgium has announced plans to construct a third coastal patrol vessel (CPV) for its Navy, set to reinforce national maritime security and support operations in the increasingly strategic North Sea.
Approved by the Belgian Council of Ministers, the vessel will join the Castor-class patrol vessels Castor and Pollux, enhancing the Navy’s capabilities in law enforcement, anti-smuggling, pollution control, and infrastructure protection within Belgian waters.
Built by the French shipyard SOCARENAM, the new patrol ship is scheduled to be operational by 2027. This addition reflects a growing need to address security demands posed by expanded offshore infrastructure and an increased presence of non-NATO vessels in the area. Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder has underscored the critical role this vessel will play in enhancing Belgium’s naval response to the heightened operational demands, including participation in NATO activities, monitoring foreign military movements, and safeguarding economic assets in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).