WILLEMSTAD - The Royal Netherlands Navy’s newest vessel, Zr.Ms. Den Helder, has arrived in Curaçao to undergo a series of specialized tropical tests in the Caribbean. The Combat Support Ship will remain in the region until mid-November to assess how its systems and equipment perform under high humidity and warm seawater conditions, which can differ significantly from European environments.

Upon arrival, the ship fired 21 salute shots — a naval tradition to honor the flag of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Governor of Curaçao. The salute was ceremoniously answered with 21 shots from Fort Krommelijn.

Zr.Ms. Den Helder is a logistics and replenishment vessel, designed to supply other navy ships with fuel, spare parts, food, and ammunition while at sea. The ship was christened on February 22 by Princess Amalia and officially commissioned on October 1.

With its addition, the Royal Netherlands Navy now operates two modern support ships — Zr.Ms. Den Helder and Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman — enhancing the fleet’s global operational capacity, including in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.