HNLMS Den Helder is returning to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The ship was previously there for warm-weather trials. After interim visits to Norfolk and New York, this supply ship is now returning.
Tensions in the region currently pose no direct threat to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. The Ministry of Defense is sending the ship as a precaution. It is available for resupply if needed. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense is monitoring the situation daily.
HNLMS Den Helder had been in Caribbean waters since mid-October for warm-weather trials. The high humidity and high seawater temperatures provided ideal conditions for testing how the ship and its installations respond to these conditions.
The Royal Netherlands Navy officially commissioned HNLMS Den Helder on October 1, 2025.