Dutch shipbuilding firm Damen Shipyard has launched the Royal Netherlands Navy’s future Combat Support Ship “Den Helder.”
The vessel was floated and taken to a deeper part of the dock, marking a milestone in its more than 16 months of development.
“The new Combat Support Ship is taking shape at the Romanian shipyard of Damen in Galati,” the company said. “Over the past six months, we have worked hard to link the hull parts together. The big project is going according to plan.”
In the deeper dock, Damen will work on increasing the height of the helicopter deck and painting other components.
The ship will then be transferred to a quay for installation, commissioning, and testing.
The first sea trial is expected to be carried out in 2024.
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According to Damen Shipyard, the Den Helder Combat Support Ship is designed to operate under high threat while being protected by frigates.
With a length of 180 meters (590 feet), the ship can accommodate 150 people, including the crew.
It will also carry several helicopters and around 20 ISO containers.
Additionally, the Den Hedler will be armed with a 76-mm naval gun, a close-in self-defense weapon system, and cutting-edge radar to defend against anti-ship missiles.
It will be handed over to the Royal Netherlands Navy in the second quarter of 2024.
Once ready, the ship will operate alongside the Joint Support Ship HNLMS Karel Doorman.
