The Royal Dutch Navy hosted a business cocktail with the Royal Netherlands Embassy (RNE), The Netherlands African Business Council (NABC) and The Ghana Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and Culture (GHANECC) at the helicopter landing deck of the HNLMS Rotterdam.

Development Partners, an initiative of NABC, came with a large delegation of Dutch companies involved in port activities. Ghanecc invited their members and RNE invited the Dutch community in Ghana but also the Ghana Immigration Service were present in large numbers.

A delegation of Medical Doctors from 37 Military Hospital, led by Dr. Colonel Sunny Mante, inspected the impressive hospital facilities on board of the “HNLMS Rotterdam”. Ms. Rotterdam has an extensive hospital on board. It contains two operating tables, 10 intensive care beds, treatment rooms and an emergency infirmary for about 100 wounded. The ship can provide medical assistance in war time units, but also can after a natural disaster spot fast as floating hospital (with helipad). It can also be used as a transport ship injured in evacuations.

During a well attended Business Cocktail on board of the vessel officers of The Royal Dutch Navy announced that they will also be involved in training their Ghanaian navy colleagues in the protection of the Ghanaian fishing ground whilst the Dutch Marines on board of the HNLMS “Rotterdam” will be trained by the Ghana Armed Forces in Jungle Training.

Not only the Royal Dutch Navy, but also the Royal Dutch Marines, Royal Dutch Army but also colleagues Spanish, French, United States, Ghana Armored Forces, Navy and Immigration service made the deck look like an international showcased army parade.

Reunion; The chief mechanic of the Metro Mass Transit, Ad van den Heuvel did not only celebrated his birthday on the vessel but also had the chance to see his son, who serves as a navy officer on the Rotterdam. Father and son enjoined their encounter and we all celebrated with them.

Undoubted, this was the largest entertaining event in years in the Tema Port, but the direct order of a commanding officer to close the bar at 21.00 h, one hour after the “official” announced end.