The Royal Netherlands Navy has returned to the region with the visit of the submarine HNLMS Walrus.

The 68m-long submarine will spend four days at the Port of Tyne’s Northumbrian Quay in North Shields, while her 50-strong crew enjoy time in the North-East.

The Royal Netherlands Navy has recently concluded a large tactical exercise which has seen a spate of visits to UK ports.

In normal circumstances the Royal Netherlands Navy is deployed worldwide to ensure security, carrying out independent operations and helping with crisis management tasks and humanitarian and disaster relief.

HNLMS Walrus, which arrived today (Friday, April 18) is the first submarine to visit the Port of Tyne’s Northumbrian Quay in 10 years.

Port of Tyne harbour masterMike Nicholson, said: “The port regularly welcomes visiting naval vessels, which both add vibrancy to the riverscape and of course make a positive contribution to the local economy.”

In 2008 a 100m euros programme to upgrade all four Walrus-class submarines was announced - it will see HNLMS Walrus operational until at least 2025.

The submarine will not be open to members of the public and is expected to sail at 11am on Monday (April 21).