Damen Naval and COMMIT Unveil the Next Chapter with the Launch of Combat Support Ship Den Helder
Naval shipbuilder Damen Naval has officially delivered the new Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder to the Command Materiel and IT organisation (COMMIT). The handover took place during a ceremony in Den Helder, the home base of the supply and support vessel, where Damen Naval Managing Director Roland Briene and COMMIT Commander Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman made the transfer ceremonial. The CSS represents the initial phase in the extensive fleet renewal initiative for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
The Combat Support Ship plays a crucial role in the Royal Netherlands Navy’s enduring support and supply capabilities, as well as for its NATO allies. This cutting-edge vessel can be deployed globally and provides naval forces with essential supplies including fuel, rations, potable water, ammunition, and other vital resources.
With immense pride, Damen Naval’s Managing Director Roland Briene stated: “It is a remarkable moment to transfer this intricate and resilient ship to COMMIT. From Vlissingen, the Den Helder has now reached its homeport of Den Helder. The CSS is the inaugural vessel in a series designed to enhance and modernise our fleet. Once again, the Netherlands is taking a significant role in European naval construction. Collaborative efforts in defence material production are becoming increasingly essential, and Zeeland showcases that it is operating at the highest standard.”
Damen Naval Project Director Arjan Risseeuw emphasized: “Following an exhaustive outfitting period in Vlissingen, we executed a series of final assessments during the ship’s voyage to Den Helder. We have significantly addressed the earlier concerns raised during sea trials. After the transfer, we will support the integration of the weapon systems with the platform systems and complete any remaining outstanding tasks. This has been an enriching shipbuilding episode in Vlissingen, and it certainly leaves us eager for more.”
Collaboration between Damen Naval and the Ministry of Defence is now progressing swiftly. As a strategic collaborator, Damen Naval is aligning closely with the Ministry on both current and future initiatives, thereby reinforcing the naval construction industry.
“It feels gratifying that the CSS is now docked in the port of Den Helder, and I have the privilege of receiving the ship on behalf of COMMIT from Damen,” remarked COMMIT Commander Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman. “During the sea trials, the CSS demonstrated itself as the robust supply vessel essential for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Along with the delivery of the new ship, we are also obtaining all the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) data necessary for ensuring ongoing operations. This means that a substantial portion of future maintenance and support is already arranged, guaranteeing the vessel’s long-term operational readiness. As strategic partners, I am fully confident in our continued collaboration.”
CSS Den Helder was constructed at the Damen Naval facility in Galați, Romania, and departed in November 2024 for its inaugural sea trial and journey to the Netherlands. The vessel arrived on 13 December 2024 in Vlissingen-Oost, where Damen Naval conducted additional work. On 22 February this year, the ship was ceremoniously launched by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange.
On Friday 14 March, the CSS departed the Vlissingen facility to continue its sea trials. A variety of Sea Acceptance Tests (SATs) were conducted, including a replenishment at sea (RAS) alongside HNLMS Johan de Witt. Now that the vessel has been formally transferred to COMMIT, responsibilities will shift to the Directorate of Materiel Sustainment (DMI) and the Joint IV Command (JIVC). They will initiate the commissioning of the Sensor, Weapon, and Command Systems, managing the hardware-software integration within the Combat Management System. Later this year, the ship will be officially handed over to the Royal Netherlands Navy and will receive the royal designation: HNLMS Den Helder.
Damen Shipyards Group has been a leading player for over ninety-five years, delivering maritime solutions worldwide through the design, construction, conversion, and repair of vessels and their components. By integrating systems, we create innovative, high-quality platforms that provide our clients with maximum value.
Our key values are collaboration, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and responsibility. Our objective is to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder through digitalisation, standardisation, and serial production of our innovative crafts, while utilizing circular materials.
Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 additional enterprises across 20 nations, supported by a comprehensive global sales and service network. We deliver approximately 100 vessels annually, with a total production value exceeding 3 billion euros. Our workforce comprises about 12,500 employees. In all endeavors, we strive to ensure a positive influence on the local community and environment.
Damen Naval – Safeguarding Our Oceans
Damen Naval stands as the only naval original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the Netherlands, having delivered over 420 vessels to clients globally, offering expertise as designers, engineers, builders, integrators, and service providers throughout our ships’ lifecycles.
This year, we commemorate “150 years of naval excellence.” Five words encapsulate Damen Naval’s legacy. Our company began in 1875 as Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde (the Royal Schelde yard) and has evolved into Damen Naval, a core part of the Damen Shipyards Group.
For our inaugural customer, the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Damen Naval is strategically engaged in renewing and replacing the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet. This encompasses the Combat Support Ship and the new Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates. Additionally, Damen Naval spearheads various naval initiatives for NATO/EU partners, including the ASW frigates for the Belgian Navy and the F126 frigate programme for the German Navy.
While we take immense pride in our legacy, we are firmly focused on future innovations.
