Birdon will deliver the initial tranche of Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) to the Royal Netherlands Army in September as part of a contract signed in 2023.
The order will be handed over by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) in support of a broader Wide Gap Crossing agreement that consists of Improved Ribbon Bridge and Bridge Adapter Pallets.
Birdon noted that six of the BEBs are now in the final stages of assembly.
Alongside the boats, the Colorado-based company will provide the army with a logistics support package, technical manuals, and associated competency sessions.
Training for the Dutch operators is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Before the delivery schedule’s announcement, Birdon hosted a meeting with GDELS and the Dutch Armed Forces’ Contract and Program segment to finalize the shipment.
The event also saw an inspection of the platforms’ production and quality on top of a sea trial for the first boat.
“We’re proud to supply the BEB as an essential force multiplier for the Netherlands Army,” Birdon BEB Program Manager Jim Ducker commented.
“These vessels play a pivotal role in enabling vitally important wet gap crossings, and this first delivery indicates contract completion is progressing in a timely manner.”
Birdon’s Bridge Erection Boats
According to Birdon’s product portal, the BEB is deployed for ground assets requiring passage over open waters by acting as a floating bridge.
The capability also serves as a ferry to transport vehicles, troops, or equipment on strategic waterways and anchorage against strong currents in active operations or during water-related construction.
It is equipped with a water jet developed by Birdon subsidiary NAMJet. It has a top speed of 24 knots (44 kilometers/28 miles per hour).
Birdon’s northeast Denver facility has already produced approximately 460 BEBs to date.
