Damen Naval has handed over the combat support ship (CSS) it is building for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The CSS, to be named Den Helder when commissioned into the Royal Netherlands Navy, was handed over to the Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) organisation in a ceremony in Den Helder, the home port for the vessel.
The CSS is the first element of a large-scale fleet renewal programme for the Royal Netherlands Navy. It will provide it with a support and resupply capability, and support operations by NATO partners. The vessel is designed to operate worldwide in a high-threat environment, protected by frigates. It can also be used in the fight against drug trafficking and in the provision of emergency aid.
With a length overall of 179.3m and beam of 26.4m, Den Helder displaces 22,300tonnes. With a crew of 75, the vessel has additional accommodation for another 75 people and can transport several helicopters and around 20 containers.
The hull of Den Helder was built at the Damen Naval yard in Galati, Romania, and departed there for sea trials in November 2024. The ship arrived in The Netherlands on 13 December 2024, where Damen Naval carried out further work on the vessel. On 22 February 2025, the vessel was formally named by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange. On 14 March 2025, the CSS departed the Vlissingen to undertake further sea trials and sea acceptance tests, including a replenishment at sea with HNLMS Johan de Witt.
Now that the ship has been handed over to COMMIT, work will continue under the responsibility of the Directorate of Materiel Sustainment (DMI) and the Joint IV Command (JIVC) in order to begin commissioning sensors, weapons and the ship’s command system.
Later this year, the ship will be formally transferred to the Royal Netherlands Navy.
