CSS Den Helder Completes Maiden Voyage Successfully

This morning, the Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder (A834) docked in Vlissingen after a successful maiden voyage and sea trials. The ship, designed for the Royal Netherlands Navy, departed from the Damen Naval shipyard in Galați, Romania, on November 16. The CSS Den Helder is now in Vlissingen-Oost for its final outfitting phase before being handed over to the Netherlands Ministry of Defence’s Materiel & IT Command (COMMIT) in spring 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the development of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s capabilities.

Significance of the CSS Den Helder

The CSS Den Helder is a vital addition to the Royal Netherlands Navy, serving as a replacement for the decommissioned supply ship HNLMS Amsterdam. This state-of-the-art vessel is designed to provide essential supplies to naval forces, including fuel, ammunition, water, food, and spare parts. With a length of nearly 180 meters, the ship can operate globally and is equipped to function in high-threat environments, protected by frigates. The CSS Den Helder will also feature a Role-2 medical facility and the capacity to carry a helicopter, enhancing its operational versatility.

According to Damen Naval Managing Director Roland Briene, the CSS Den Helder represents years of hard work and collaboration with various suppliers. He emphasized the importance of this ship as the first in a series of vessels that Damen Naval will deliver to the Royal Netherlands Navy. The project aims to revitalize the naval construction industry in the Vlissingen and Zeeland regions, receiving increasing political support. This initiative will not only strengthen the naval fleet but also boost the local economy.

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Successful Sea Trials and Future Prospects

The sea trials conducted during the CSS Den Helder’s journey from Galați to Vlissingen were crucial for assessing the ship’s performance. Damen Naval CSS Project Director Arjan Risseeuw reported that numerous Sea Acceptance Tests (SATs) were carried out, simulating various emergency scenarios. The cooperation among engineers, crew members, and COMMIT representatives was commendable, leading to a successful evaluation of the ship’s capabilities.

COMMIT Project Manager Captain Joost Meesters expressed confidence in the ship’s robustness, noting that no major issues arose during the trials. The CSS Den Helder will significantly enhance the Royal Netherlands Navy’s supply capacity, complementing the existing tanker HNLMS Karel Doorman. The ship’s design focuses on providing a reliable and efficient supply chain for naval operations, ensuring that the fleet remains well-equipped during missions.

As the CSS Den Helder prepares for its final outfitting, it is set to play a crucial role in the Royal Netherlands Navy’s future operations. The ship’s commissioning is scheduled for the second half of 2025, with a formal handover to the Royal Netherlands Navy Command (CZSK) expected in 2026. This project not only represents a leap forward in naval capabilities but also highlights the importance of national partnerships in defense and maritime construction.