Delivery of the new Combat Support Ship (CSS) for the Royal Netherlands Navy is approaching. The future HNLMS Den Helder embarked on sea trials on Saturday morning, 16 November, from Damen Shipyards’ yard in Galaţi, Romania.
During the voyage, the CSS will make its first sea miles across the Danube River, the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea. It will also conduct its first sailing tests. The sea trials will remain in and near territorial waters of NATO partners. The new supply ship is expected to arrive at its next port around next weekend.
The ship will then sail on to the Netherlands for completion. This will take place at Damen in Vlissingen and Den Helder. There, the vessel will be fitted with sensors and weapon systems.
Also read: Damen builds virtual reality version of Combat Support Ship
For the Netherlands and NATO
With the ship, the Royal Netherlands Navy will soon gain important supply capability. This will benefit the continuity and operational availability of the naval forces. This is good news for the Netherlands, but also for international partners, such as NATO allies.
Dutch Defence is increasingly focusing on its first main task: protecting its own territory and that of the alliance. The Combat Support Ship makes a concrete contribution to deployability of other naval vessels. It supplies other ships with fuel, goods, spare parts and ammunition at sea.
Also read: VIDEO: Construction of Combat Support Ship Den Helder enters next phase
Future ships to be built in the Netherlands?
The Dutch company Damen Naval produces the Dutch naval ships. Much of the construction of these ships now takes place not in the Netherlands, but in Romania. This is a conscious choice because of the lower (labour) costs and the availability of qualified personnel.
With the Maritime Manufacturing Sector Agenda, the Netherlands wants to preserve and strengthen maritime knowledge, skills and industry. That is why, among other things, it is being investigated whether fully building naval ships in the Netherlands can become possible and attractive again in the future.
Picture: The Combat Support Ship Den Helder in the port of Romania (picture by Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Also read: Dutch navy’s new Combat Support Ship Den Helder floated