The Dutch Damen shipyard group has started building a new multi-purpose ship for the Portuguese navy in Romania.
The first steel cut for the “NRP Dom João II” has now taken place at the Damen site in Galati. The ship is set to set new standards.
The Chief of the Portuguese Naval Staff, Admiral Gouveia e Melo, said: “This is a ship with a revolutionary concept developed by the Portuguese Navy. It can perform multiple tasks, such as scientific research and experiments related to drones and robotics, as well as support in emergency and disaster situations.”
Given the growing importance of drones and autonomous technology in emergency response and surveillance, the multipurpose vessel is reportedly capable of transporting and deploying unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), unmanned surface vehicles (USV) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). A 94 x 11 metre flight deck is planned for the latter.
The 107-metre-long ship contracted by Damen in 2023 has a deck area of 650 m², which is suitable for transporting up to twelve TEU. Depending on requirements, it can accommodate mission-specific modular systems such as hospitals, hyperbaric chambers and ROV equipment. To facilitate ocean exploration, the multi-purpose vessel will have both state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and accommodation for scientific personnel.
Damen builds “key element”
Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo said: “The vast maritime area under Portuguese sovereignty makes up a large part of the European Union’s exclusive economic zones. The protection of this area is of fundamental importance, especially in view of the growing strategic competition in the North Atlantic.” It is “imperative” that the country’s own capabilities are strengthened to counter these threats and secure the resources of the seabed, which are of crucial strategic value. “The future multifunctional ship is a key element in overcoming these challenges,” the government representative continued.
The “NRP Dom João II” is scheduled for delivery in 2026 and will then join two other vessels built by Damen, the 122-metre-long “NRP Bartolomeu Dias” and the “NRP D. Francisco de Almeida”.
