The Netherlands is joining in with the French in their shipping security mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Dutch government has confirmed that the frigate Zr Ms De Ruyter and its onboard helicopter would be joining in the French-initiated, European-led initiative known as the EMASOH from January 2020 through June.

"Tensions in the [Middle East] Gulf region have risen steadily higher in recent months," the government said in a statement.