On December 2nd at Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania, first steel was cut on the Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNLN) Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder.

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, in partnership with GE, will deliver a new Combat Support Ship to the Royal Netherlands Navy. GE’s robust, proven electric propulsion technology was selected for its low noise signature, high level of reliability and commonality with the Joint Support Ship (HNLMS Karel Doorman).

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding signed a contract with Rohde & Schwarz for the delivery and installation of internal and external communication systems for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Combat Support Ship, Den Helder.

The contract for the construction of the Royal Netherlands Navy's new Combat Support Ship, HNLMS Den Helder, was signed today between local shipbuilder Damen and the Dutch Defense Materiel Organization (DMO).

The Frankfurt am Main (A1412) combat support vessel, the largest ship class in the German Navy, arrived on Feb. 17 in Kiel in preparation for the deployment of the integrated Naval Rescue Centre (iMERZ). New cranes and a launching device for the tenders are also to be integrated.

The construction of the new Combat Support Ship (CSS) Zr. Ms Den Helder should start soon. An agreement has been reached between the Dutch MoD and Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding on the construction and delivery of a CSS. State Secretary Barbara Visser sent the last required document (D letter) to the Lower House on December 19.