The Combat Support Ship HNLMS Den Helder has just docked in Curaçao. The Royal Netherlands Navy’s newest vessel will remain in the Caribbean until mid-next month to undergo warm-weather trials.
The region’s high humidity and elevated sea temperatures provide ideal conditions to test how the ship and its onboard systems perform in tropical environments.
In keeping with naval tradition, the ship fired a 21-gun salute in honour of the flag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Governor of Curaçao. The Commander of Naval Forces in the Caribbean and the Acting Governor of Curaçao attended the ceremony, with Fort Krommelijn returning the salute.
Also read: Dutch navy commissions HNLMS Den Helder
HNLMS Den Helder
The ship measures 179 metres in length, accommodates 76 crew members and around eighty additional personnel, and has a cargo capacity of twenty containers. Named after its home port, the vessel is uniquely tied to the city of Den Helder.
As a supply ship, HNLMS Den Helder provides other vessels at sea with fuel, ammunition, food, and spare parts. This reduces the need for national and international naval ships to interrupt operations. The vessel is also equipped with extensive medical facilities: the Role 2 hospital on board allows a specialist medical team to carry out surgeries and provide patient care. The Combat Support Ship therefore makes an important contribution to maritime operations worldwide.
HNLMS Den Helder was christened by Princess Amalia on 22 February this year and commissioned into service on 1 October. The Royal Netherlands Navy now operates two ships of this type, the other being HNLMS Karel Doorman.
Picture: Upon arrival in Curaçao, HNLMS Den Helder fired a traditional 21-gun salute (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Also read: Princess Amalia christens Combat Support Ship Den Helder
