The new Dutch Combat Support Ship (CSS) "Den Helder" (179 metres, 22,400 tonnes) has officially been in royal service since mid-October. It is the first and probably only ship of this class to be built by Damen Shipyards in Galati/Romania and equipped in the Netherlands. She is intended to fill the logistical gap left by the two Zuiderkruis-class fuel supply vessels that were decommissioned in 2012 and 2014 or sold to Peru. The Joint Logistic Support Ship "Karel Doorman" (204 metres, 28,000 tonnes), which entered service in 2015, had to temporarily fill this gap and supply the fleet units at sea.

The "Den Helder" is based on their design, with many similar components, but somewhat smaller and better equipped for supply on the high seas. It is intended as the start of a comprehensive fleet renewal with mine defence units, frigates and submarines. But first she is travelling to the Dutch Caribbean to Sint Maarten, Curacao and Aruba for warm water trials. A good plan for the cold winter.