Netherlands Begins Weapons Integration for Den Helder Replenishment Vessel

The Royal Netherlands Navy has taken delivery of the HNLMS Den Helder combat support ship for weapon systems integration.

The handover in North Holland marks the finalization of the remaining tasks under the replenishment vessel’s five-year construction.

In the theater, the ship will be responsible for the transport and supply of fuel, ammunition, water, food, and other goods between the shore and Dutch assets, as well as other NATO partners.

Assembly of the Den Helder was completed in Galați, Romania. It then departed in November 2024 for a simultaneous sea trial and voyage back to the Netherlands.

It arrived one month later in Vlissingen, Zeeland, where it underwent finishing touches and additional tests prior to commissioning.

In February 2025, the Dutch Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia christened the support ship, readying the system as the replacement of a 60s-era oiler platform sold by Amsterdam to Peru after retirement in 2014.

Later this year, the Den Helder will be transferred to the Royal Netherlands Navy and begin its operations from its home port in North Holland.

The HNLMS Den Helder

HNLMS Den Helder is 180 meters (590 feet) long and has space for approximately 150 personnel or up to 20 ISO-standard metal cargo containers.

Depending on its mission, it will be able to carry landing craft vehicles or two helicopters similar to the NH90 medium-sized aircraft.

Although dedicated for a support role, the Royal Netherlands Navy will arm the Den Hedler with a 76-millimeter naval gun with piercing ammunition, 12.7-millimeter machine guns, and surface-to-air missiles.

The Den Helder will sail at a speed of 20 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour) using four Wärtsila 31 engines and twin GE electric motors.