In Romania, the countdown has begun for the departure of Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder from Galaţi. A combination of factors delayed the project, but according to Project Director Arjan Risseeuw, work is now on track to meet the new deadline and the ship will be at the Vlissingen quay before the end of the year.

“This is a challenging phase of a project and in this case, it has taken longer than we initially thought. But gradually the mountain of work is starting to shrink, and we can proverbially look over it and see the finish line,” says Arjan.

Several systems are currently being demonstrated to COMMIT and DNV. (From left) CSS Commander Stefjan Veenstra, Damen Naval Project Director Arjan Risseeuw and COMMIT Project Leader Joost Meesters followed some of these in the Ship Control Centre. Several systems are currently being demonstrated to COMMIT and DNV. (From left) CSS Commander Stefjan Veenstra, Damen Naval Project Director Arjan Risseeuw and COMMIT Project Leader Joost Meesters followed some of these in the Ship Control Centre.

The sea trials and passage to the Netherlands will take place in autumn 2024. After that, the completion and integration of Sensor, Weapon and Command systems will start. Delivery of the ship to the Ministry of Defence is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025 and the rest of the year will see an intensive sailing and testing schedule, after which the ship will be handed over to the Royal Netherlands Navy Command.

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