Damen begins construction of advanced multi-purpose ship for Portuguese Navy.

According to a PR published by Damen on October 3, 2024, Damen Shipyards Group has marked two key milestones in the construction of a Multi-Purpose Ship for the Portuguese Navy. In a joint ceremony at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania, the steel cutting and keel laying for the new vessel were carried out. The event was attended by Portuguese Minister of National Defence Nuno Melo and Chief of Portuguese Naval Staff Admiral Gouveia e Melo.
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Artist rendering of the future multi-purpose ship. (Picture source: Damen)

The contract for the ship, signed in November 2022, was facilitated by funding from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Designed in collaboration with the Portuguese Navy, the vessel will serve a wide range of purposes, including scientific research, disaster relief, and maritime safety. It will be equipped with advanced technology to support unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater operations.

The Multi-Purpose Ship, named NRP Dom João II, will feature extensive modular capabilities, including space for specialized mission equipment. Damen anticipates completing the vessel by 2026, further strengthening the Portuguese Navy's operational capacity and its role in maritime security and research.

Minister Melo highlighted the ship’s importance in safeguarding Portugal’s maritime domain, which covers a significant portion of Europe’s Exclusive Economic Zones, emphasizing the strategic value of seabed resources in the North Atlantic.

Portuguese Navy

The Portuguese Navy is undergoing significant modernization efforts focused on enhancing its operational capabilities through the renewal and expansion of its fleet. One of the key initiatives involves the procurement of six new Viana do Castelo-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). These vessels will play crucial roles in maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), and patrol operations. Equipped with advanced technology, these third-generation OPVs are designed to enhance versatility and adapt to various missions, including anti-submarine and mine warfare. The construction of these ships is planned to be completed between 2027 and 2030​.

Additionally, Portugal is advancing with the Navio de Patrulha Costeiro (NPC) project, which aims to replace aging coastal patrol vessels with eight new multi-purpose platforms. These vessels will serve in maritime patrol, law enforcement, border control, and support roles for special forces. The first of these ships is expected to be delivered by 2025, with the full fleet operational by 2034​.

Beyond surface vessels, the Portuguese Navy is also investing in advanced communication and information systems. The navy's ongoing efforts to embrace network-centric operations include upgrading satellite communications and cryptographic systems to improve interoperability with NATO forces.