Zeeleeuw (2) (Photo: © Royal Netherlands Navy)

For additional photos and information please check the 'related pages list' at the bottom of this page.

1979

17 Dec 1979: The building contract for Zeeleeuw (2) is signed.

1981

24 Sep 1981: Zeeleeuw (2) laid down at R.D.M. shipyard in Rotterdam.

1986

14 Aug 1986: The completion of Walrus (2) is delayed by a serious fire which destroyed the cabling and computers, so Zeeleeuw (2) is to commission before Walrus (2).

1987

20 June 1987: Zeeleeuw (2) is launched.

1988

Trials are scheduled start in Feb 1988.

8 Apr 1988 - 25 Apr 1990: Zeeleeuw (2) is under the command of .

1989

27 Jan 1989:  The Royal Netherlands Navy diesel submarine Zeeleeuw (2) collides with a buoy while departing the Den Helder (home port) Naval Base. The vessel was on trials.

Year/date unknown: The rumour has it that when the brand new Zeeleeuw (2) is on sound trials she crosses 3 or 4 SOSUS lines without being heard by the US Navy.

1990

25 Apr 1990: Zeeleeuw (2) is commissioned to the Royal Netherlands Navy. will be her commander until the 26th of April 1991.

2 - 5 Jun 1990: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Norway, port unknown.

8 Nov 1990: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Faslane (Scotland).

1991

26 Apr 1991 - 14 Sep 1992: Zeeleeuw (2) is under the command of .

1992

17 - 18 Apr 1992: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Faslane (Scotland).

1 May 1992: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Faslane (Scotland).

14 Sep 1992 - 26 Aug 1994: Zeeleeuw (2) is under the command of .

? 1992: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Malta.

1993

? - 22 Feb 1993: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Faslane (Scotland).

12 Mar - 15 Mar 1993: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Norway, port unknown.

June (exact period unknown) 1993: Zeeleeuw (3) patrol the Adriatic Sea. It has been reported that a Cryptologic Technician was on board at least from 3 - 29 June.

1994

23 - 27 May 1994: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Faslane (Scotland).

26 Aug - 15 Nov 1994: Zeeleeuw (2) is under the command of  .

1996

8 Jan 1996 - ?: Zeeleeuw (2) is under the command of  .

96: Zeeleeuw (2) is fitted (exact date unknown) with a new trial snort exhaust diffuser, if successful the rest of the class will be fitted with this diffuser as well.

Dolfijn (4), Walrus (2) and Zeeleeuw (2) in 1996. Note the new snort exhaust diffuser on the sail of the second submarine

10 Apr - 24 Apr 1996: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Norway, port unknown.

(expected) 20 Aug 1996: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Den Helder (home port).

(expected) 21 Sep 1996 - 24 Sep 1996: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Gibraltar.

(expected) 14 Oct - 20 Oct 1996: Zeeleeuw (2) visits ?

(expected) 18 Nov - 22 Nov 1996  Zeeleeuw (2) visits ?

1997

4 Jul - 6 Jul 1997: Zeeleeuw (2) and Dolfijn (4) are open to the public during the Navy Days / Sail'97 in Den Helder.

14 June 1997: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Zeebrugge (Belgium).

23 Sep - 28 Sep 1997: Zeeleeuw (2) participates in exercise Dynamic Mix '97.

Sep 1997: Zeeleeuw (2) visits the port of Màlaga.

The Zeeleeuw (2) is docked for maintenance at the R.D.M. shipyard in Rotterdam.

R.D.M. shipyard. From top to bottom:  Zwaardvis (2), Zeeleeuw (2), Tijgerhaai (2) and Zeehond (3). Zwaardvis (2) and Tijgerhaai (2) are for sale.

1998

Early 1998: The battery compartment of Zeeleeuw (2) has to be repaired.

2 Mar 1998: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Norway, port unknown.

5 Jun - 9 Jun 1998: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Norway, port unknown.

6 Jul - 10 Jul 1998: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Dublin (Ireland).

3 Oct - 9 Oct 1998: Zeeleeuw (2) participates in exercise Spontex.

From "Revista General de Marina" November 1998: SPONTEX Exercise (October 3-9)

INVITEX type exercise organized by the French Navy and controlled by CECLANT, with was held at the Gulf of Biscay. This exercise is orientated fundamentally towards ASW warfare, with operations of surface, submarine and air forces (planes and helicopters) against OPFOR [OPposing FORce] submarines. Its aim is to provide opportunities for advanced training and improve tactics against submarines on a shallow waters environment. Participating forces were: destroyers De Grasse, S M Le Bihan and Jean Moulin, AOR Meuse, SSKs La Praya and Ouessant (France); frigate Brave, SSN Spartan (U.K.); frigates De Ruyter and Van der Hulst, SSK Zeeleeuw (Holland), frigate Wandelaar (Belgium) and frigate Extremadura (Spain). Extremadura anchored at Brest October 2 to 3 before taking part on the exercise. When finished she steamed towards Bilbao were she anchored from October 11 to 13 to act as naval presence before sailing towards her base at Ferrol"

1999

1st half 1999: Zeeleeuw (2) is refitted.

Early Apr 1999: Zeeleeuw (2) is dry-docked at Den Helder (home port).

2nd half 1999: Work-up period for Zeeleeuw (2).

16 July 1999 - 5 Sep 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) is under the command of Ltz. I  . 

12? Nov 1999: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Mersyside. The boat berths in Canada #1 Branch/North.

22 Nov 1999: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Devonport (England).

25 Nov 1999: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Devonport (England).

3 Dec 1999: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder.

2000

Feb - Mar 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) is at Den Helder.

10 Mar 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) departs Den Helder.

26 Mar 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Willemstad (Curaçao).

30 Mar 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Willemstad (Curaçao).

20 Apr 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Charleston (SC, U.S.A.).

24 Apr 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Charleston (SC, U.S.A.).

28 Apr 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Norfolk (VA, U.S.A.).

1 May 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Norfolk (VA, U.S.A.).

11 May - 16 May 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Baltimore (U.S.A.) to participate in 'Sail  Baltimore'. She is moored at N. Locust Point. More information at the official Sail Baltimore website.

25 May 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in New York (U.S.A.). Visit the Zeeleeuw(2) in New York page for several beautiful photos of her arrival.

30 May 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from New York (U.S.A.).

3 June 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Halifax (Canada).

12 June 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives at the 'Keftacex' exercise (Iceland).

16 June 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) departs the 'Keftacex' exercise ( Iceland).

16 June 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Reykjavik (Iceland).

23 June 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder. 

20 July 2000: Zeeleeuw (2) is put ashore, using the so called ships lift, for small maintenance.

25 Aug 2000: on board the submarines Walrus (2) and Zeeleeuw (2) a defect on the 'afsluitkleppen' (closing valves) has been reported. The valves of the boats Bruinvis and Dolfijn (4) are currently being checked. These valves prevent seawater from entering the exhaust system when a submarine submerges. The defect was discovered during routine maintenance at the Dutch Navy Yard in Den Helder. Navy spokesman A. Meeldijk stated " . . possibly the problem is corrosion or fractures  . .the safety of the crews has not been in danger at all since the valve system is backed up by an other system. . "

Sep 2000: The valve problem (see Aug 25) is so serious that all four Walrus (2) class boats have been withdrawn from active service. Inspection showed 'micro fractures' en 'micro rust' (tension corrosion) on the inboard closing valves of the diesel engine exhaust.
These closing valves prevent water from entering the exhaust when the sub is submerged. This means that the valves are exposed to the full hydrostatic pressure outside the sub. For safety there are two valves fitted, an inboard and an outboard valve, which are both designed to withstand the full hydrostatic pressure at maximum diving depth (over 300 M).
Two boats can be repaired temporarily (the valves can be repaired) within a few months. The two other subs will be withdrawn from active duty for a much longer period, about 8 to 12  months, because of the long delivery times of the Italian valve manufacturer. The valves of these latter two subs are damaged to such an extend that a 'quick' repair is impossible.
It is estimated that the first repaired valve can be fitted in the second half of November 2000 and the second probably early December 2000. The cost per submarine, for all four subs, will be about 700000 Dutch guilders (300000 Euro).

23 Oct 2000: Today it is reported that to fix the Walrus (2)-class exhaust valve problems Dolfijn (4) and Bruinvis will be fitted with repaired valves, Zeeleeuw (2) and Walrus (2) will receive brand new valves. At a later date the repaired valves of Dolfijn (4) and Bruinvis will be replaced by new ones as well. When all goes as planned the Dolfijn (4) will make her next voyage on Nov. 25 and Bruinvis on Dec. 7. Both voyages without any diving depth restrictions.

24 Oct 2000: The 'emergency' repair on the snort-exhaust valves of Dolfijn (4) and Bruinvis has gone much better/smoother then expected. Therefore the submarine service will investigate whether a repair on Zeeleeuw(2)'s valve is possible as well.

2001

21 Feb 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) departs Den Helder for a voyage to ?

25 Feb 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) anchors in Plymouth Sound (England).

26 Feb 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) sails, under FOST control, from Plymouth Sound (England) for training.

2 Mar 2001 at 09:45 hrs: Zeeleeuw (2) returns to the Plymouth Base (England) from supporting training.

5 Mar 2001 at 11:00 hrs: Zeeleeuw (2) sails from Plymouth Sound (England).

16 Mar 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in La Coruna (Spain).

Mar 2001 Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from La Coruna (Spain).

30 Mar 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Plymouth (England).

2 Apr 2001 Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Plymouth (England).

20 Apr 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Bergen (Norway).

7 Apr 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in London (England).

23 Apr 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) will depart from Bergen (Norway).

28 Apr 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Den Helder (home port).

20 May 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Den Helder (home port).

Date unknown: Zeeleeuw (2) and Mercuur (4) exercise with the BNL squadron (Belgium-NetherLands).

1 June 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Plymouth (England) for FOST training.

4 June 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) sails, for training, from Plymouth (England).

15 June 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Cork (Ireland).

18 June 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Cork (Ireland)

24 June 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Den Helder (home port).

26 June 2001: Today is Zeeleeuw (1)'s "Family day".

13 - 15 July 2001: Dolfijn (4) and Zeeleeuw (2) are open to the public at the Den Helder Navy Days

5 Sep 2001 - 2002 : Zeeleeuw (2) is under the command of Ltz. I  .

24 Sep 2001 at 12:00: Scheduled: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Den Helder for a trip of +/- 7 weeks.

Check out the special Zeeleeuw (2) photos 2000s for some images of this trip.

28 Sep - 1 Oct 2001:  Zeeleeuw (2) visits Plymouth (England). After exercising on her own for a few days the submarine will be used as piggy boat, off England's S-W coast, for about 3 weeks.

28 Sep 2001 at 05:00 hrs: Zeeleeuw (2) surfaces. At 10:00 hrs she arrives, to support FOST training, in Plymouth (England) where the sub docks at 'wharf 9'.

1 Oct  2001 at 11:00 hrs: Zeeleeuw (2) sails from the Plymouth (England) base to sea. There is a strong wind (8 to 9) but on the open sea it does not feel as bad as expected.

1 Oct 2001 +/- 14:00 hrs: Zeeleeuw (2) submerges. The following days the submarine exercises with several units, including British and Greek units.

4 Oct 2001 in the evening: Zeeleeuw (2) surfaces and heads for Cork (Ireland). Weather conditions deteriorate and will stay like this for the next few days.

5 Oct 2001 +/- 16:30: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in little bit more quit waters and Cork (Ireland) is in sight.

5 Oct - 8 Oct 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) visits Cork (Ireland).

5 Oct 2001 at 19:00 hrs: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Cork (Ireland).

14 Oct 2001: Scheduled: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Plymouth (England). She moors at a buoy in Plymouth Sound.

18 Oct: Zeeleeuw (2)'s FOST exercises are completed and the submarine transits to Norwegian waters through the Irish Sea and the Pentland Firth.

21 Oct 2001: In the Irish Sea the Zeeleeuw (2) exercises with a British submarine.

26 Oct - 30 Oct 2001:  Zeeleeuw (2) visits Oslo (Norway).

26 Oct 2001 at 11:50: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Oslo (Norway).

A detail of the Zeeleeuw (2) visits the monument for 'all lost Norwegian sailors'.

30 Oct 2001:  Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Oslo (Norway).

2 Nov 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Haakonsvern (Norway), she departs the same day.

Early November 2001 Scheduled: Zeeleeuw (2) conducts sonar trials. The sub is involved in testing a new sonar, to locate submarines, designed by the Dutch TNO-FEL.

This new sonar is probably TNO-FEL's ALF (Active Low Frequent) system.

9 Nov 2001: Scheduled: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder (home port).

Check out the special Zeeleeuw (2) photos 2000s for some images of this trip.

Nov 2001: In a speech Mr. Hamilton’s (US Navy) says the following on the Dutch Submarines: ".....The Dutch have developed a system where submariners pull up to a pier, hook the boat up to shore cables, and go home, leaving a few sailors in a bunkhouse to watch fire, flooding and security alarms for everyone who is in port. That means the sailors are on watch one in 30 days while they are in port; until recently, many U.S. submarines operated on a one in three watch cycle. The Dutch submarines have also automated the boats to the point where a sailor preparing to “snorkel,” or come to the surface to draw air and run the engines, just pushes a “prepare to snorkel” button and the systems bring the boat into position, lines up all the valves and start the engines, making that process much less labour intensive....."

16 Nov 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Plymouth (U.K.).

Nov 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Devonport (England).

24 Nov 2001: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder (Home port).

26 Nov 2001: Scheduled: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Den Helder for a 2 week trip.

Scheduled: Zeeleeuw (2) transits on the surface to Frederikshavn (Denmark) or Göteborg (Sweden) where she will be briefed on a 6 day submarine exercise. Other participating submarines come from Norway, Germany and Poland.

7 Dec 2001: Scheduled: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder (home port).

2002

4 Feb 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Den Helder (home port) and heads for the Atlantic. After almost 3 days she arrives in the area where she is allowed to submerge.

Zeeleeuw (2) exercises with an other submarine and a Navy patrol airplane.

11 Feb 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Plymouth (England). Only a short stop-over of a few hours is planned, but because of some technical difficulties she stays in Plymouth for an additional day. The submarine is visited (informal) by the commander of the Dutch Submarine Service Col. K.A.C. Hermsen. Originally the visit was planned to take place at sea the next day. 

The next weeks are used for FOS training.

15 Feb 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Portsmouth (England).

18 Feb 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Portsmouth (England).

22 Feb - 25 Feb 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) visits in Portsmouth (England).

2 Mar 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder (home port).

The Dutch Navy will deploy a submarine in the Caribbean as an answer to the increasing drugs trafficking in the area. There are rumours that the smugglers even using small submarines to transport the goods. This task will probably be performed by Zeeleeuw (2). She will probably sail for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba sometime in March.

13 Apr 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Den Helder (home port) for a trip to the Caribbean. A (6 wannabee commanders) will be part of this trip as well. During the SMCC the submarine will also visit Bergen (Norway). The complete trip will take about three months.

18 Apr 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Bergen (Norway).

Apr 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Bergen (Norway).

8 May 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in San Juan (Puerto Rico).

12 May 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from San Juan (Puerto Rico).

10 June 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Willemstad (Curaçao).

11 June 2002: The Netherlands Navy release the following news: "The submarine HNLMS Zeeleeuw sailed into the harbour of Willemstad, Curaçao on Monday (10 June). The Dutch Walrus-class submarine will remain in the city for several days. HNLMS Zeeleeuw is in the region participating in operation Enduring Freedom. The vessel is primarily being use for combating drugs trafficking, as are the frigate HNLMS Abraham van der Hulst and an extra P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, which is currently stationed on Curaçao."

12 June 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) is currently used to prevent drugs trafficking in the Caribbean. The submarine surface off Willemstad (Curaçao) last Monday. The crew will spend a few day on the island and will support several charities. Zeeleeuw(2)'s presence in the area is part of Operation Enduring Freedom. She has relieved USN units that are needed elsewhere in the 'War Against Terrorism'.

15 June 2002: The Zeeleeuw (2) crew donates the sum of 1475 Antillean guilders to the Myrna Dovalle School, a school for children with hearing problems. The money is  handed over during a visit of the children to the Zeeleeuw (2).

17 June 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Willemstad (Curaçao).

15 July 2002: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder (home port).

23 Aug 2002: The Dutch Submarine Service (OZD) celebrates its 95th anniversary in Amsterdam. Actually the 95th anniversary would have been on 21 Dec 2001 (since the first Dutch sub, the O 1, was commissioned on 21 Dec 1906) but it is celebrated today because all 4 Dutch submarines are now in port and open to the public.

Sept 2002 - End 2003: Zeeleeuw (2) is getting her MJO (multiple yearly maintenance).

2003

Sept 2002 - Late 2003: Zeeleeuw (2) is getting her MJO (multiple yearly maintenance).

Most of the Zeeleeuw(2) crew is transferred to the Dolfijn (4).

? 15 July 2003: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder (home port), this report is probably incorrect

2004

27 Jan 2004: Zeeleeuw(2) is under the command of .

7 Apr 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Den Helder (home port) and heads for Norwegian waters for a so called BNO (Tests After Maintenance) and to work-up the crew. After passing for several exams the sub and her crew will be considered ready for deployment.

15 Apr 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Stavanger (Norway).

19 Apr 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Stavanger (Norway).

22 Apr 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Ulsness (Norway).

27 Apr 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Ulsness (Norway).

29 Apr 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Bergen (Norway).

3 May 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Bergen (Norway).

16 May 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder (home port).

May 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is being prepared for exercises with the Dutch-Belgian Squadron.

7 July 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Falmouth (England).

8 July 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) arrives in Den Helder (home port).

11 July 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) departs from Den Helder (home port).

28 Sep 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Lisbon (Portugal).

1 Oct 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Lisbon (Portugal).

14 Oct 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Aksaz (Turkey).

18 Oct 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Aksaz (Turkey).

15 Nov 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Malta.

19 Nov 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Malta.

26 Nov 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in La Coruna (Spain).

29 Nov 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from La Coruna (Spain).

2 Dec 2004: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Den Helder (home port).

2005

7 March 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Plymouth (England).

17 March 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Wilhelmshaven (Germany). She is scheduled to depart the same day.

17 May 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) departs for her second 2005 trip. After a visit to Dublin the trip will be dedicated to the . After the SMCC period she will head back to Den Helder and prepare for the Naval Days.

20 May 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Dublin (Ireland).

23 May 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Dublin (Ireland).

26 May 2005: Geoff reports: " Zeeleeuw (2) in coastal waters working off the southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland. She's just completed a serial with Navy 178, Sea King out of Prestwick
RN base."

8 July 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Stockholm (Sweden).

11 July 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Gothenburg (Sweden).

15 - 17 July 2005: During the Vlootdagen (Fleet Days) in Den Helder the Bruinvis, Zeeleew (2), Dolfijn (4) and Mercuur (4) are open to the public.

7 Oct 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Plymouth (England).

10 Oct 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Plymouth (England).

14 Oct 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Plymouth (England).

17 Oct 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Plymouth (England).

21 Oct 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Leith (Scotland).

24 Oct 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Den Helder (Home port).

11 Nov 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to arrive in Stavanger (Norway).

14 Nov 2005: Zeeleeuw (2) is scheduled to depart from Stavanger (Norway).

 

 

Zeeleeuw(2) related pages

Zeeleeuw(2) boat history

Zeeleeuw(2) in New York photos

Zeeleeuw (2) 2000s photos

Walrus (2) class photos

Walrus (2) class video footage

Zeeleeuw(2) related books

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