With regard to the operational readiness of its armed forces, the Dutch Ministry of Defense would like to work together with civilian logistics and transport companies. For example, during large-scale European exercises or during a security crisis.
Last week, an information event was held at Woerden Castle for the road transport and transshipment sectors. Over 100 interested logistics partners received information.
The Ministry of Defense plans to publish the tenders for these services in the summer. The participants will work together in a so-called logistics ecosystem.
“Enormous demand”
The commander of the Defense Support Command, Lieutenant General Jan-Willem Maas, spoke about the necessity of the logistics ecosystem: “The armed forces have enormous logistical needs. We need logistics partners to meet these needs. Through a smart combination of our own transport capacity and cooperation with civilian logistics partners, we are always there for the armed forces, even under the most difficult conditions.”
Interested parties can apply for tenders to support large military transports and supply troops. This involves the transportation of food and drinking water. It also involves hazardous materials such as fuels, oils, lubricants, aircraft fuels, aircraft oils and aircraft lubricants.
In addition, weapons, ammunition, military material, equipment and spare parts must be transported. Finally, clothing, accommodation goods, cleaning agents and field reinforcement material as well as building materials are also involved. In addition, the Ministry of Defense needs partners for handling work such as loading, lifting and crane work for the transport of the aforementioned goods.
Contracts
In order to secure capacities in advance, the Ministry of Defense awards the contracts for seven years. This should ensure security of supply in the event of a crisis or even war. Smaller interested companies can work as subcontractors for larger parties.
Was passiert mit deiner Stadt bei einer Atombombenexplosion?
Based on threat analyses, the military assesses whether it is responsible to deploy transport companies in certain areas. On the last stretch to the front, the so-called “last tactical mile”, the Ministry of Defense itself provides transport.
“A war in Europe is possible. NATO-troops from abroad then use the Netherlands as a transit country. This can be done by road, rail, water or air. The Ministry of Defense will provide logistical support, but also spare parts, ammunition and fuel if required,” writes the Dutch Ministry of Defense in a press release.
