35 Ukrainians have completed their training on board the Dutch minehunter Zr.Ms. Makkum. They will eventually form the crew of the minehunter Vlaardingen. This was taken out of service in March of this year. The Makkum was taken out of service on 25 November. Both ships are being donated to Ukraine.
The training of the Ukrainians on the Makkum was successful. The training was experienced as intensive, because the ship sailed with a double crew for 2 months. The entry level of the Ukrainians was different. The training program was therefore adjusted continuously.
Just like the Vlaardingen, the Makkum will eventually be donated to Ukraine. These 2 minehunters, together with Belgian and English ships, form the beginning of the Ukrainian mine countermeasures capacity. Even before the Vlaardingen is transferred, the Ukrainian crew will follow a training. When this will happen is not yet known.
In the Black Sea, Russia has laid many sea mines that prevent safe passage. After the war, Ukraine wants to clear them.