New Netherlands combat support ship Den Helder starts sea trials
The Den Helder beginning its sea trials. (Photo: Damen Shipyard)
The vessel is expected to provide a significant additional capacity in the fight against drug trafficking and other police actions.
The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) combat support ship (CSS) Den Helder has begun sea trials.
Departing from the Damen Shipyards in Galati, Romania, the CSS crossed the Danube River before sailing in both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was built in Romania to keep costs lower than it would have been had it been constructed in the Netherlands.
At the end of its sea trials, the Den Helder will see the Netherlands for the first time to be equipped with its sensors and weapon systems in Vlissengen. It is scheduled to become operational in Q2 2025.
Related Articles
Dutch navy launches new rMCM vessel
When it comes into service, the Den Helder will be assigned to support the only other replenishment vessel in the RNLN, Joint Support Ship (JSS) HNLMS Karel Doorman. Both vessels will then be able to supply ammunition, food, fuel and other necessary replenishments to NATO allied vessels.
At almost 200m (656ft) Den Helder will also boost the RNLN’s capabilities in police actions, such as the prevention of drug trafficking, refugee flow control and emergency relief missions.
The vessel will have two replenishment at sea (RAS) stations, as well as a helicopter deck and hangar for flight operations. It is capable of accommodating multiple helicopters and around 20 ISO containers. It will act as a hub of for smaller vessels, such as landing craft, helicopters and UAS, to extend the reach of its operations.
The Dutch Defence Ministry said the capabilities of the new CSS would “directly contribute to the operational readiness of both the Dutch Navy and its NATO partners”.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Combat Support Ship - HNLMS Den Helder
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
