Damen launches first hull parts of new Combat Support Ship for Netherlands.

According to information published by Damen Naval on April 20, 2022, Damen launched the first hull parts of the new Combat Support Ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
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Launching the first hull parts of a new Combat Support Ship (Picture source: Damen)

HNLMS Den Helder is a new replenishment oiler under construction for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Also known as the Combat Support Ship (CSS), Den Helder is planned to fill the gap of replenishment at sea that was left after HNLMS Amsterdam was sold to Peru in 2014.

The ship carries two 40-ton cranes and can carry up to 24 sea containers. It can dispense 7,600 cubic meters of diesel (including for its own use), 1,000 cubic meters of helicopter fuel (including for its own use), 226 cubic meters of drinking water, and 434 tons of other goods, including ammunition.

The vessel can accommodate up to two NH-90 helicopters or, alternatively, one NH-90 and two UAVs. It carries two LCVPs (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) and 2 FRISC (Fast Raiding and Intercept Craft). The ship's infirmary operates as a Role 2 hospital (providing limited hospital capability, including surgery).

The replenishment oiler will have a length of 179.5 meters, a beam of 22 meters (72 ft 2 in), and a draught of 8 meters (26 ft 3 in). The first steel was cut in a ceremony on 2 December 2020 at the Damen yard in Galati, Romania.