Damen Naval has delivered the Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNN) new Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder to Command Materiel and IT organisation (COMMIT).
This marks the first phase of the RNN fleet renewal programme.
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The CSS Den Helder is designed for global operations, capable of replenishing naval ships with essentials such as fuel, provisions, water, and ammunition.
It is equipped to offer emergency assistance following natural disasters and to support counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean.
Damen Naval maintains a strategic partnership with the Dutch Ministry, contributing to ongoing and prospective naval projects.
COMMIT commander Jan Willem Hartman said: “Along with a new ship being handed over, we are also receiving all the ILS data required to ensure the ship’s continued operation.
“This means a significant part of the maintenance and support for the future is already being provided, ensuring the ship’s long-term readiness. As strategic partners, I have every confidence that we will continue to work together in close cooperation.”
Constructed at Damen Naval’s shipyard in Galați, Romania, the CSS Den Helder’s procurement was first announced to the Dutch Parliament in December 2019.
The building contract was formalised with Damen on 19 February 2020. The engineering is primarily conducted in the Netherlands, with numerous components sourced from Dutch suppliers.
The CSS Den Helder embarked on its maiden sea trial in November 2024, setting sail from Romania to the Netherlands.
It arrived at Vlissingen-Oost on 13 December 2024, where Damen Naval performed additional outfitting.
On 22 February 2025, the vessel was christened by Princess of Orange Catharina-Amalia.
On 14 March, the CSS Den Helder departed from Vlissingen to resume sea trials, which included sea acceptance tests (SATs) and a replenishment at sea (RAS) exercise with HNLMS Johan de Witt.
With the ship now in COMMIT’s hands, the Directorate of Materiel Sustainment (DMI) and the Joint IV Command (JIVC) will oversee the commissioning of its sensor, weapon, and command system.
They will also manage the integration of hardware and software within the combat management system.
Damen Naval project director Arjan Risseeuw adds: “After an intensive outfitting period in Vlissingen, we carried out a number of final tests during the transit of the ship to Den Helder. We have now largely addressed the points for attention from the earlier sea trials.
“Following the handover, we will assist with the integration of the weapon systems with the platform systems and finalise the remaining outstanding tasks. It has been a wonderful period of shipbuilding in Vlissingen, which certainly leaves us wanting more.”
Later in the year, the CSS Den Helder is scheduled for formal induction into the RNN.
