The new Combat Support Ship Den Helder for the Royal Netherlands Navy has completed its first trials. On the Black Sea, it tested propulsion and radar and navigation systems, among other things. On 21 November, the ship safely moored in its first port of trial, Souda Bay on Crete.
In the port, the vessel loaded fuel, before continuing its journey. The CSS will arrive in the Netherlands in a few weeks. Completion of the vessel will take place at Damen Shipyards in Vlissingen and Den Helder. Here, it will be fitted with sensors and weapon systems.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has released a video of the Combat Support Ship’s first sea trials. Watch it below.
Also read: New Dutch Combat Support Ship on sea trials
Combat Support Ship
Den Helder is the new Combat Support Ship (CSS) being built by Damen Naval to support multiple naval missions of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN). The CSS will be the first RNLN ship to be named after the city which is home to the Netherlands’ main naval base.
With the CSS, the maritime supply capacity of the Royal Netherlands Navy will be restored. The ship will operate alongside the Joint Support Ship HNLMS Karel Doorman. The new ship can be used worldwide and can operate under high threat, protected by frigates.
In addition, it can be used in the fight against drug trafficking, controlling refugee flows and providing emergency aid. The almost 200-metre-long ship will have a 75-person crew and can also take an additional 75 people on board. There is room for several helicopters and around twenty containers.
Picture: The Combat Support Ship Den Helder during the trials (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Also read: Damen builds virtual reality version of Combat Support Ship
