Navy christens new minehunter M940 Ostend in patron city
The Belgian Navy officially christened its new minehunter, the M940 Ostend, in its patron city of Ostend on Wednesday during Navy Day. World sailing champion and ship godmother Emma Plasschaert attended the ceremony alongside defence minister Theo Francken, navy commander Tanguy Botman and Ostend mayor John Crombez.
After speeches by Francken and Botman, Plasschaert officially christened the vessel. The ceremony concluded with a parade.
Ostend's role as the ship's patron city reflects its longstanding ties to the Navy. The city is home to the Naval Academy, where future naval personnel receive training.
The M940 Ostend is designed to strengthen maritime security and protect critical offshore infrastructure. Francken highlighted the vessel's strategic importance. "Even though Belgium has only 67 kilometres of coastline, our prosperity is inextricably linked to the sea. Our ports are the gateway to the world and the engine of our economy," he said.
"More than eighty per cent of our foreign trade passes through the sea. Safe shipping routes are therefore not a luxury, but an absolute necessity. With the M940 Ostend, we are not only strengthening our navy, but also protecting our country's economic lifeline,” Francken added.
The vessel represents a significant technological advance in mine countermeasures. Equipped with a range of surface, underwater and aerial drones, it can detect, classify and neutralise mines remotely, reducing risks to crew members and improving the efficiency of operations.
Francken also noted Belgium's long-standing expertise in the field. “After the First and Second World Wars, our North Sea was littered with mines. From that historical experience, our navy has built up unique expertise in mine countermeasures. With these new ships, we not only retain that expertise, but we are also taking a huge technological step forward.”
#FlandersNewsService | A baptising ceremony for the new Belgian minesweeper Vessel M940 is organized on Wednesday 24 June 2026 in Oostende. © BELGA PHOTO AND VIDEO KURT DESPLENTER
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