New Netherlands combat support ship Den Helder starts sea trials
The Den Helder beginning its sea trials. (Photo: Damen Shipyard)
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
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
-
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.