Royal Netherlands Navy’s Future Combat Support Ship Den Helder Starts First Sea Trials
Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding has entered the final stages of development of Den Helder, the new combat support ship being built to support the Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNLN) multi-naval missions. Named after the Royal Netherlands Navy’s home base, the ship started its first sea trials a few days ago, sailingj from Damen Shipyards in Galaţi, Romania, where the construction activities took place. During the trials, the CSS will sail in the territorial waters of NATO partners, including the Danube, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean, and will reach its next port this weekend.
The ship will then sail to the Netherlands to be equipped with sensors and weapon systems at Damen and Den Helder in Vlissingen, ready for deployment. After all operations, CSS will be operational in the second quarter of 2025, replacing HNLMS Zuiderkruis and HNLMS Amsterdam, which retired in 2014.
HNLMS Den Helder will greatly enhance the Royal Netherlands Navy’s logistics capabilities. It is roughly 200 meters long and 26.4 meters wide and can house up to 150 personnel, including crew. The Helder, which will be used primarily in conjunction with the multifunctional support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman (A833) to supply ammunition, food, fuel, and various replenishments to other Royal Navy and NATO allied ships, is equipped with two 40-tonne cranes and can carry approximately 20 ISO standard containers. The CSS can also be used in operations to prevent drug trafficking, control refugee flows, support emergency relief missions, and have ample space for landing craft, helicopters, and drones.
The Dutch Defence Ministry states that this development is in line with the Ministry of Defence’s focus on the protection of national and allied territory. ‘The capabilities of the CSS directly contribute to the operational readiness of both the Dutch Navy and its NATO partners. That is good news for the Netherlands, but also for international partners, such as NATO allies,’ the ministry added.