HNLMS VALK

By FB-Anonymous-AI ChatGPT-Human Synthesis-11 February 2026

Specs & HistoryType:

Steam-powered patrol vessel (sometimes called a patrol ship / seaplane tender)Built: Laid down 1928, commissioned in 1930Builder: Wilton-Fijenoord shipyard (Schiedam, Netherlands)Service: Government Navy & Royal Netherlands Navy

Dimensions & Engine

Length overall: ~70.1 m (230 ft)Beam (width): ~9.02 mDraft (depth below waterline): ~2.9 m

Displacement: ~933–1,011 tons (company of sources gives variation)

Propulsion: Steam engines (~3,355 hp)Speed: Around 18–19 knots (≈21–22 mph / 34–35 km/h)

Armament (Typical)2 × 7.5 cm naval guns1 × small machine gun (about 7.7 mm) These weapons were modest — fitting for patrol and anti-smuggling work rather than major combat.

Role & Career

Built to serve mainly as a colonial patrol vessel in Dutch overseas territories like the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). Sometimes called an “opium hunter” — meaning it patrolled waters to suppress illegal smuggling activities.

During World War II, like many Dutch ships, Valk was scuttled (intentionally sunk) by its crew in 1942 to prevent capture.