The Dutch Navy’s combat support ship (CSS) Den Helder has been handed over to the Command Materiel and IT organization (Materiel and IT Command, COMMIT), Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Naval unveiled.
After departing Damen’s yard in Vlissingen on March 14, 2025, CSS Den Helder continued its sea trials, which also included a replenishment at sea (RAS) with HNLMS Johan de Witt. The ship was christened last month at Damen Naval’s shipyard in Vlissingen.
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The nearly 180-meter-long ship will accommodate a core crew of 76, with space for an additional 80 personnel.
The new ship is designed to sustain a task force of six vessels at sea, even in adverse weather conditions, by supplying fuel, food, water, ammunition, and other essential goods. To support this role, the CSS can carry more than eight million liters of fuel.
Damen noted that the work on the ship is not fully completed. The company will assist with the integration of the weapon systems with the platform systems and finalize other work.
Later this year, the ship will be formally transferred to the Royal Netherlands Navy, and upon entering service, will receive the royal designation: HNLMS Den Helder.
“The CSS marks the first phase in the large-scale fleet renewal programme for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Cooperation between Damen Naval and the Netherlands Ministry of Defence is now at full speed. As a strategic partner, we are working closely with the Ministry on this and future projects, strengthening the naval shipbuilding sector,” Damen stated.
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