Damen Celebrates Dual Milestone with Portuguese Navy: Steel Cutting and Keel Laying for New Multi-Purpose Vessel

Damen Shipyards Group conducted a collaborative steel cutting and keel laying ceremony at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania. This occasion concurrently celebrated two pivotal landmarks in the creation of a groundbreaking Multi-Purpose Vessel for the Portuguese Navy.

The ceremony was presided over by Damen Chief Commercial Officer Jan-Wim Dekker and featured esteemed attendees, including the Portuguese Minister of National Defence, Nuno Melo, and the Chief of Portuguese Naval Staff, Admiral Gouveia e Melo. The honored guests performed the steel cutting and keel laying for the ship.

The agreement for the vessel was finalized by both parties last November after a bidding process. The venture is financed by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), a component of NextGenerationEU—an economic recovery initiative aimed at assisting EU member nations impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Admiral Gouveia e Melo of the Portuguese Naval Staff remarked, “This vessel embodies an innovative concept devised by the Portuguese Navy. It is a multi-domain ship, specifically designed for air, surface, and subsurface missions. It is equipped to execute a wide range of operations, including scientific exploration and experimentation associated with drones and robotics, alongside emergency response and disaster management.”

“It offers significant advantages in construction, operational, and maintenance expenses, featuring an open modular design that enables swift modifications according to the missions assigned.”

The Multi-Purpose Vessel is part of Damen’s Support Ship portfolio. This series, weighing between 7000-9000 tons, utilizes established, standard solutions wherever possible, ensuring prompt, reliable, and cost-efficient building processes.

In response to the concept proposed by the Portuguese Navy, Damen has closely collaborated with its client to develop a vessel tailored to its distinct specifications. The ship, named NRP Dom João II, boasts unparalleled adaptability, with features spanning scientific and technological research, search & rescue operations, emergency aid, and maritime safety alongside environmental & meteorological observation.

Acknowledging the rising significance of drones and autonomous technologies in emergency assistance and reconnaissance, the Multi-Purpose Vessel has the capabilities to transport and deploy Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This includes a 94 x 11-meter flight deck for aerial operations.

The 107-meter-long vessel offers 650m² of deck area, suitable for carrying up to twelve TEUs. These can accommodate mission-specific modular systems such as medical facilities, hyperbaric chambers, and ROV equipment as necessary.

To promote oceanic exploration and investigation, the Multi-Purpose Vessel will be equipped with cutting-edge laboratory facilities and lodging for scientific crews.

Minister Nuno Melo of Portuguese National Defence expressed, “The extensive maritime territory under Portuguese authority constitutes a significant portion of the Exclusive Economic Zones of all European Union Member States. Protecting this area is crucial, especially as we confront increasing strategic competition in the North Atlantic. We must enhance our capabilities to tackle these challenges and safeguard the resources of our seabed, which hold immense strategic significance.”

“The forthcoming Multifunctional Vessel is a vital component in meeting these challenges. By integrating advanced technologies such as robotics for aerial, surface, and subsurface tasks, along with artificial intelligence, we are positioning ourselves at the leading edge of maritime innovation. This vessel will not only enhance operational efficiency and safety at sea but also contribute across multiple domains, from environmental monitoring to fisheries management and scientific research.”

Damen Chief Commercial Officer Jan-Wim Dekker stated, “We take pride in being chosen to construct this exceptional vessel for the Portuguese Navy. The steel cutting and keel laying at Damen Shipyards Galati signify significant advancements in the creation of this Multi-Purpose Vessel, enabling the Portuguese Navy to undertake the most demanding operations while also allowing for research activities in the ocean’s deepest areas. This further solidifies Damen’s strong partnership with the Portuguese Navy and exemplifies collaborative efforts within the European defense industry.”

The NRP Dom João II is anticipated to be delivered in 2026, at which point she will join two other Damen-built ships, the 122-meter-long NRP Bartolomeu Dias and NRP D. Francisco de Almeida.