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Den Helder Combat Support Ship Joins Royal Netherlands Navy and Modernizes Replenishment Capabilities at Sea.
The Den Helder, the latest combat support ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy, officially arrived at its home port on March 24, 2025, marking a key step in its integration into the fleet. Built by Damen Naval, the vessel was handed over to the Command Materiel and IT Organisation (COMMIT) during a ceremony attended by Damen Naval Managing Director Roland Briene and COMMIT Commander Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman. This transfer represents the first phase of the Netherlands’ fleet modernization program, strengthening the navy’s supply and support capabilities.
Following its transfer to COMMIT, the ship remains under the Directorate of Materiel Sustainment (DMI) and the Joint IV Command (JIVC), responsible for integrating sensors, weapons, and communication systems. (Picture source: Damen)
The Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder departed Damen’s Vlissingen yard on March 14, 2025, continuing its sea trials, which included a replenishment at sea (RAS) operation with HNLMS Johan de Witt. Before arriving in Den Helder, the ship conducted several Sea Acceptance Tests (SATs) to validate its operational capabilities. The vessel was officially christened on February 22 at Damen’s Vlissingen shipyard in the presence of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange.
The CSS Den Helder measures nearly 180 meters in length and accommodates a core crew of 76, with additional capacity for 80 personnel. Designed to support up to six ships simultaneously, it can carry over eight million liters of fuel, along with provisions, water, ammunition, and other essential supplies. This logistics support vessel is intended to provide sustained replenishment capacity, both for the Royal Netherlands Navy and NATO partners. Its structural resilience enables operations in adverse weather conditions, enhancing its strategic flexibility.
Following its transfer to COMMIT, the ship remains under the Directorate of Materiel Sustainment (DMI) and the Joint IV Command (JIVC), responsible for integrating sensors, weapons, and communication systems. This includes the installation of the Combat Management System (CMS), which combines hardware and software to ensure optimal interoperability with the rest of the fleet. Damen Naval will continue collaborating closely with the Ministry of Defence to finalize the ship’s outfitting.
During the handover ceremony, Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman emphasized the long-term operational readiness of the vessel, facilitated by integrated logistical data supporting its maintenance and sustainment. Damen Naval highlighted this project as a key development in European naval shipbuilding, reinforcing industry cooperation and the Netherlands' role in the defense sector.
The Den Helder is scheduled to enter active service on October 1, 2025, at which point it will receive the official designation HNLMS Den Helder. This will be followed by an intensive training program to test its full range of capabilities and prepare the crew for future operations. The ship’s deployment is planned for mid-2026, allowing the Royal Netherlands Navy to enhance its logistical support and improve its global operational reach.
The arrival of this vessel marks a broader fleet renewal initiative, aimed at progressively modernizing existing units. As a strategic partner of the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Damen Naval is actively involved in this project and future developments, reinforcing the country's naval construction capabilities. This initiative reflects the Netherlands' objective to strengthen its maritime position in Europe and maintain a fleet capable of addressing evolving security challenges.