CARIBBEAN SEA — Zr.Ms. Den Helder returns to the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom. The ship was previously there for warm weather trials. After an interim visit to Norfolk and New York, this supply ship is now heading there again.
Tensions in the region currently do not pose a direct threat to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Defense sends the ship as a precaution. It is available for restocking if needed. Defense also monitors the situation daily.
Zr.Ms. Den Helder had been in Caribbean waters for warm weather trials since mid-October. The high humidity and high seawater temperature provided the ideal conditions to test how the ship and its installations respond to this.
The Royal Navy has appointed Sr. Ms. Den Helder was officially put into service on October 1, 2025.
