Dutch Navy commissions Damen-built combat support ship HNLMS Den Helder

The Royal Netherlands Navy commissioned the new combat support ship (CSS) HNLMS Den Helder on October 1, 2025.

During a festive ceremony, the ship received the designation His Majesty’s (HNLMS) Den Helder. This is a significant milestone for the navy in strengthening and renewing its fleet.

HNLMS Den Helder, built by Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Naval, is now also recognizable as a warship that the Ministry of Defense can deploy for national and allied defense.

The ship is 179 meters long, accommodates 76 crew members, and has space for approximately 80 passengers. Its cargo capacity consists of 20 containers. 

As a supply ship, HNLMS Den Helder supplies other ships at sea with fuel, ammunition, food, and spare parts. This reduces the need for national and international naval vessels to interrupt operations. The ship also has extensive medical capacity.

The coming period will focus on training and readiness. The ship will be operational from 2026. Now that HNLMS Den Helder has been commissioned, the ship will first set course for the Caribbean. During the trials, the navy will test how the engines and systems perform in warmer conditions.

To remind, Damen Naval delivered the vessel in March this year.