#SUBMARINE – A Dutch Navy submarine HNLMS Dolfijn arrived into Cork Harbour this morning, she is one of four 'Walrus' class which are among the modern sophisticated non-nuclear submarines in the world, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Royal Netherlands Navy submarine which draws 7.5m draught berthed at Cork City's J.J. Horgan's Wharf which has a 8.8m depth. She is a sister of lead class submarine HNLMS Walrus which visited Dublin Port several years ago.

The class were built using stealth technologies making them invisible and very difficult to detect by ships, aircraft or other submarines when submerged. The submarines can remain submerged for long periods to carry out their missions.

'Walrus' class specifications: Length: 68 m Beam: 8.5 m Draught: 7.5 m Maximum diving depth: > 300 m Water displacement: 2,450 tonnes (surface), 2,800 tonnes (submerged) Propulsion diesel/electric: (3,132 kW) Maximum speed: 11 knots (surface), 20 knots (submerged) Ship's company: 55 Armament: MK 48 torpedoes

Dutch submarines in peacetime duties are used primarily for reconnaissance. During exercises, they are often used as targets for frigates and helicopters.

Should a nation not be cooperating with sanctions imposed by the international community, the submarines can contribute to enforcing the International sanctions. During the NATO Operation Allied Force, HNLMS Dolfijn helped to enforce the embargo off the coast of former Yugoslavia.

Among the other missions the submarines are involved include: collecting intelligence; conducting coast reconnaissance; laying sea mines and putting special forces from the Netherlands Marine Corps ashore.

On overseas deployments, for example HNMLS Dolfijn has patrolled in the Caribbean Sea with calls to the Netherlands Antilles capital of Willemstad.