Dutch Navy's New Combat Support Ship Nearing Completion

Work has begun fitting out a new Royal Netherlands Navy Combat Support Ship (CSS), the future HNLMS Den Helder, with sensors and weapons systems ahead of her commissioning.

The eponymous supply ship sailed into the port of Den Helder from Vlissingen last week and shipbuilder Damen Naval officially handed her over to the Material and IT Command and the Material Maintenance Directorate.

A social media post from Koninklijke Marine noted: “For the first time in 11 years, a brand new naval ship enters the harbour of Den Helder today: the Combat Support Ship 'Den Helder'. An important step in the renewal of our fleet.”

As per a recent Dutch Ministry of Defence press statement, the process of equipping the new vessel with communications systems, weapons and sensors is now underway ahead of a commissioning ceremony scheduled for the start of October.

The CSS, which was built at the Damen Shipyards yard in Galaţi, Romania, is expected to enter active service midway through 2026.

She will support the other ships in the fleet in a variety of ways, including refuelling duties and other required supply replenishments including spares, food and ammunition.

She will also be able to provide extensive medical facilities, and may be deployed to provide emergency aid after natural disasters and during counter-drug operations in the Caribbean.

High levels of automation on board mean crewing levels are kept to a minimum; the ship also makes widespread use of online condition monitoring.

• You can read more details on the Dutch MoD website and on the Dutch Navy’s official Facebook page