Damen Naval and COMMIT Propel Forward with the Debut of the Den Helder Combat Support Vessel
Naval shipbuilder Damen Naval has formally transferred the new Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder to the Command Materiel and IT organisation (COMMIT). The transfer occurred during a ceremony in Den Helder, the home port of the support vessel, where Damen Naval Managing Director Roland Briene and COMMIT Commander Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman officiated the handover. The CSS is a pivotal element in the extensive fleet modernization program for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
The Combat Support Ship serves a vital function in the Royal Netherlands Navy’s long-term supply and support capabilities, as well as for its NATO allies. This state-of-the-art vessel can be deployed internationally and supplies naval forces with crucial provisions, including fuel, food, drinkable water, munitions, and other essential materials.
Expressing great pride, Damen Naval’s Managing Director Roland Briene remarked: “This is a significant occasion to convey this sophisticated and robust ship to COMMIT. From Vlissingen, the Den Helder has now arrived in its homeport of Den Helder. The CSS is the first vessel in a series aimed at enhancing and modernizing our fleet. Once again, the Netherlands is playing a prominent role in European naval manufacturing. Collaborative efforts in defense material production are becoming increasingly crucial, and Zeeland stands out as operating at peak standards.”
Damen Naval Project Director Arjan Risseeuw highlighted: “After an extensive outfitting period in Vlissingen, we conducted a series of final evaluations during the ship’s passage to Den Helder. We have comprehensively resolved the prior issues identified during sea trials. Post-handover, we will facilitate the integration of the weapon systems with the platform systems and address any outstanding tasks. This has been a rewarding shipbuilding experience in Vlissingen, and it definitely leaves us enthusiastic for more.”
The alliance between Damen Naval and the Ministry of Defence is currently advancing rapidly. As a strategic partner, Damen Naval is closely collaborating with the Ministry on both existing and future projects, thereby bolstering the naval manufacturing sector.
“It is gratifying that the CSS is now docked in the port of Den Helder, and I have the honor of receiving the ship on behalf of COMMIT from Damen,” shared COMMIT Commander Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman. “During the sea trials, the CSS proved itself as the sturdy supply vessel essential for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Along with the delivery of the new ship, we are also acquiring all the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) data necessary for ensuring ongoing operations. This means that a significant portion of future maintenance and support is already organized, ensuring the vessel’s long-term operational readiness. As strategic allies, I have full confidence in our ongoing partnership.”
CSS Den Helder was constructed at the Damen Naval facility in Galați, Romania, departing in November 2024 for its first sea trials and journey to the Netherlands. The vessel arrived on 13 December 2024 in Vlissingen-Oost, where Damen Naval carried out additional modifications. On 22 February of this year, the ship was ceremoniously launched by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange.
On Friday, 14 March, the CSS sailed from the Vlissingen facility to continue its sea trials. Various Sea Acceptance Tests (SATs) were performed, including a replenishment at sea (RAS) alongside HNLMS Johan de Witt. Now that the vessel has been officially transferred to COMMIT, responsibilities will shift to the Directorate of Materiel Sustainment (DMI) and the Joint IV Command (JIVC). They will commence the commissioning of the Sensor, Weapon, and Command Systems, overseeing the integration of hardware and software within the Combat Management System. Later this year, the ship will be formally handed over to the Royal Netherlands Navy and will receive the royal designation: HNLMS Den Helder.
Damen Shipyards Group has been a leading entity for over ninety-five years, delivering maritime solutions globally through the design, construction, conversion, and repair of vessels and their components. By integrating systems, we create innovative, premium platforms that provide our clients with optimum value.
Our core values encompass collaboration, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and responsibility. Our aim is to establish ourselves as the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder through digitization, standardization, and serial production of our innovative crafts, all while utilizing circular materials.
Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 additional enterprises across 20 countries, backed by an extensive global sales and service network. We deliver approximately 100 vessels each year, amassing a total production value surpassing 3 billion euros. Our workforce consists of about 12,500 employees. In all our endeavors, we strive to foster a positive impact on the local community and environment.
Damen Naval – Protecting Our Oceans
Damen Naval stands as the sole naval original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the Netherlands, having delivered over 420 vessels to clients worldwide, providing expertise as designers, engineers, builders, integrators, and service providers throughout our ships’ life cycles.
This year, we celebrate “150 years of naval excellence.” Five words encapsulate Damen Naval’s heritage. Our company commenced in 1875 as Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde (the Royal Schelde yard) and has progressed into Damen Naval, a key component of the Damen Shipyards Group.
For our initial customer, the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Damen Naval is strategically involved in renewing and replacing the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet. This encompasses the Combat Support Ship and the new Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates. Furthermore, Damen Naval leads various naval initiatives for NATO/EU partners, including the ASW frigates for the Belgian Navy and the F126 frigate program for the German Navy.
While we take immense pride in our history, we are firmly focused on future advancements.
