Royal Netherlands Navy’s New Combat Support Ship Starts Sea Trials

On November 17, 2024, the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Combat Support Ship, HNLMS Den Helder, began its sea trials. This important step marks the beginning of a series of tests before the Navy can officially use the ship. The ship, built by the Dutch company Damen, left the Damen Shipyards in Galați, Romania, early in the morning and is now on its way to the next port.

The HNLMS Den Helder will sail along the Danube River, cross the Black Sea, and then through the Mediterranean Sea. During this journey, the ship will undergo its first tests in the water. These tests will be done in or near the waters of friendly countries that are part of NATO, ensuring everything on the ship works as planned.

After finishing this journey, the ship will travel to the Netherlands for the final steps. The final outfitting will take place at Damen’s facilities in Vlissingen and Den Helder. This is where the ship will be fitted with advanced sensors, radar, and weapon systems that will make it ready for action.

The new Combat Support Ship (CSS) will be a big boost for the Dutch Navy. The HNLMS Den Helder will help by carrying fuel, spare parts, food, and ammunition for other ships out at sea. This means Dutch naval ships will be able to stay out at sea longer without having to return to port for supplies. This is not only good news for the Netherlands, but it will also help their international partners, like other NATO countries, stay ready for missions.

The Dutch Ministry of Defence is now focusing more on protecting the Netherlands and its allies. The HNLMS Den Helder will play a key role in making sure Dutch ships can stay active in different parts of the world. This makes the Royal Netherlands Navy more effective and better prepared for any challenges.

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The ship was built by Damen Naval, a well-known Dutch shipbuilding company. Although Damen is a Dutch company, much of the building of the HNLMS Den Helder took place in Romania. This is because labor costs are lower there, and Romania has skilled workers who can handle complex shipbuilding tasks. This strategy allows Damen to save money while still delivering high-quality ships.

The Dutch government is looking at ways to bring more shipbuilding back to the Netherlands. They want to keep their country’s maritime knowledge and expertise strong. The government is conducting studies to see if building all parts of future naval ships in the Netherlands would be a good choice. This move could support local industry and provide more jobs for Dutch workers.

The arrival of the HNLMS Den Helder and the future delivery of more ships will strengthen the Dutch Navy’s ability to support its own and allied naval forces. These steps ensure that the Netherlands can continue to be a reliable partner in international security.