 In September 1948, a new improved design was made on basis of the "Holland"-class destroyers, this design was at the time called "Submarine Destroyer 1949" and would later be known as the "Friesland"-class destroyer.Like the "Holland"-class destroyers the "Friesland"-class destroyers were designed by engineer K. de Munter, who was employed at the "Bureau Scheepsbouw" which fell directly under the Dutch Ministry of the Navy.In contrast to previous Dutch Navy practice the ships were named after provinces or cities rather than admirals.