According to information published by the Dutch MoD on April 11, 2023, the New Harbor in Den Helder is receiving an expansion of its mooring capacity due to the modernization of the fleet and updated safety requirements.
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Nieuwe Haven naval base. (Picture source: Dutch MoD)
The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of 2029. The New Harbor is a crucial sea and naval port for the Netherlands, playing a vital role in the readiness, support, and operations of modernized naval units.
The arrival of new combat support ships and ongoing modernization and replacement projects for mine warfare vessels, M frigates, and submarines requires an expansion of the current harbor.
The replacement ships are mostly larger than their predecessors, necessitating an expansion of the harbor. Furthermore, for safety reasons, the mooring of ships carrying heavy munitions, such as rockets and torpedoes, will be limited.
The expansion will provide enough mooring capacity to accommodate the upcoming replacement and expansion of the fleet until 2035. Any additional space required in the future will be included in the modernization of the naval port as part of the Strategic Real Estate Plan 2022.
The Dutch Ministry of Defense is currently in the research phase, exploring how to approach construction, setup, and operation. The project budget is expected to be between €100 million and €250 million, drawn from Defense's investment budget. This will be followed by the acquisition preparation phase, construction preparation phase, and implementation phase.
