The Dutch naval ship HNLMS Den Helder will ceremonially sail into Willemstad on Monday, October 20th. This is the new naval ship’s first visit to the Caribbean Region and its first port visit. The visit to Curaçao was planned last year to conduct warm-weather trials. The high humidity and seawater temperatures provide ideal conditions for testing how the ship and its installations respond to the tropical climate.
Ceremonial Arrival
On Monday morning, October 20th, at approximately 9:45 a.m., the ship will sail into Sint Anna Bay. HNLMS Den Helder will fire a 21-gun salute in honor of the Kingdom flag and the Governor of Curaçao. This salute will be returned with a 21-gun salute from Fort Krommelijn.
HNLMS Den Helder
The Combat Support Ship was commissioned into the Royal Netherlands Navy in October 2025. The supply ship delivers fuel, spare parts, food, and ammunition to other naval vessels. The ship has now brought along equipment such as search and rescue boats for Saba and St. Eustatius, as well as reverse osmosis (RO) units for producing drinking water in emergencies such as a hurricane passage.
Logistical stop
Before arriving in Curaçao on Monday, the ship will first make a logistical stop in Sint Maarten on Friday, October 17th. The Search & Rescue boats will be dropped off there.
Note to the editor
A press conference for members of the press will be held on board HNLMS Den Helder on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. During this press conference, you can ask questions about the ship and the voyage to the Commanding Officer of the Combat Support Ship, Captain-Lieutenant Commander Stef-Jan Veenstra, or to the Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean Region, Commodore Walter Hansen. The ship will moor at the Mathey Werf in Willemstad. Please register with Staff Officer Hiraldo Vos-van Kooten before Monday, October 20. Without registration, you will not be permitted access to the naval vessel. Proof of identity is required.