Breaking News: Damen unveils Multi Purpose Ship MPSS.

According to information published by Damen on February 27, 2024, the Dutch firm has recently unveiled an innovative ship design that aims to address the evolving challenges in defense and security.
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Artist rendering of the future Multi Purpose Ship. (Picture source: Damen)

The Multi-Purpose Support Ship (MPSS), developed in collaboration with the Portuguese Navy as the initial client, represents a forward-thinking approach to modern maritime warfare and surveillance, particularly emphasizing the growing use of drone technology.

The MPSS, available in 7000 and 9000 ton variants, is a versatile platform designed to perform a multitude of roles beyond its primary function. It can support various operations including drone management (air, sea, and sub-sea), amphibious support, emergency and disaster relief efforts, search and rescue missions, diving support, submarine rescue operations, and helicopter operations. This adaptability makes the MPSS a valuable asset in a wide range of maritime activities, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Construction of the first vessel is already underway. The ships, measuring 107x20 meters for the MPSS 7000 and 130x20 meters for the MPSS 9000, are designed for extended sea durations of at least 45 days, ensuring sustained operational capabilities.

Damen has integrated both military-class and commercial off-the-shelf technology in the MPSS, ensuring that the ships are equipped with state-of-the-art electrical, communication, and navigation systems while remaining cost-effective and reliable.

The modular approach to the vessel's design not only facilitates a broad spectrum of military and humanitarian missions but also simplifies maintenance and enhances the ship's overall uptime.

MPSS

The Multi-Purpose Support Ship (MPSS) features a length ranging from 100 to 130 meters and a beam of 20 meters, with a maximum draught of 5.10 meters. This vessel is capable of handling a deadweight between 7,000 to 9,000 tonnes, indicating its substantial payload capacity.

It achieves a maximum speed of over 15 knots, ensuring swift operational deployment. The MPSS's operational range is impressive, capable of reaching a minimum of 10,000 nautical miles at cruising speed, and it boasts an endurance of 45 days with a full complement, highlighting its capability for prolonged missions without the need for immediate resupply.

One of the possible configurations also features a naval gun at the rear right of the platform - the only visible armament it would have.

The evolving landscape of modern warfare increasingly involves asymmetric and hybrid tactics, where the lines between conventional military engagements and non-traditional combat scenarios are blurred. One of the hallmarks of hybrid warfare is the use of unmanned systems for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and direct engagement.

Drones generally offer a cost-effective solution to a range of operational needs, from simple surveillance missions to complex combat roles. A drone carrier can deploy a large number of drones for the cost of operating a few manned aircraft, presenting an asymmetric challenge to adversaries who must expend more valuable resources to counter them.

Artist rendering of an other configuration of the Multi Purpose Ship. (Picture source: Damen)