On 7 April, the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) handed over the Combat Support Ship HNLMS Den Helder to the Royal Netherlands Navy. The transfer was made official during a ceremony on the ship’s bridge.

Text: Eefje Koppers

Damen Naval Project Director Arjan Risseeuw. Damen Naval Project Director Arjan Risseeuw.

Damen Naval Project Director Arjan Risseeuw looks back on a few intensive months. After the successful cold weather trials in February, the project team was given four weeks to resolve outstanding items and warranty claims on board, after which two weeks at sea had originally been planned. “Those final sea trials ultimately became four days, which made it a challenge to carry out everything we had planned. We completed what we could within the time available.” Subsequently, COMMIT, in consultation with the crew, found a way to resolve the remaining issues during weeks 13 to 17 as well.

The team is now focusing on a dock period in the autumn, when the CSS, as currently planned, will go to Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam for five weeks, including three weeks in dry dock and two weeks alongside the quay. Arjan says, “We hope to be able to complete the final outstanding items and carry out the additional work requested by COMMIT and the Navy.”

COMMIT reported on LinkedIn that, with the handover, HNLMS Den Helder is now officially added to the Netherlands’ naval fleet. In the coming period, the crew will continue training and preparing for operational readiness with the ship during the Netherlands Operational Sea Training (NOST) programme. The ship will then sail as part of the NATO task group Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 to the United States for the celebration of 250 years of independence.

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