Keel laying ceremony for the Portuguese Navy’s first auxiliary oiler replenisher and logistics ship took place on 29 January at ADA Shipyard in Istanbul, Türkiye.
This follows the steel cutting ceremony of the vessel in November last year, marking the commencement of the ship’s construction.
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STM was awarded the contract to build two logistics and support ships for Portugal, having prevailed over several international competitors. The contract was signed in Lisbon on 17 December 2024.
This project represents Türkiye’s first military ship export to a European Union and Nato member country.
Attendees at the keel laying ceremony included Portugal’s National Defence Minister Nuno Melo, Türkiye’s National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, President of the Secretariat of Defence Industries Prof Dr Haluk Görgün, Admirals from both navies, air force commanders, and representatives from both countries’ defence industries.
Minister Yaşar Güler said: “This project represents a significant gain for Türkiye and Portugal—two nations with deep-rooted maritime traditions—in terms of experience and technology sharing.
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By GlobalData“With their original design, high speed, extensive cargo capacity, operational flexibility, and modular architecture enabling integration into a wide range of missions, I firmly believe that these ships will effectively meet the strategic objectives and operational requirements of the Portuguese Navy.”
The new vessels are designed to perform multiple functions including transferring fuel and cargo at sea. They will be able to transport up to 20 light tactical armoured vehicles using a stern ro-ro ramp, supporting joint and amphibious missions, as well as humanitarian aid, search and rescue operations, and medical missions during crises.
Each ship will measure 137 metres in length with a displacement exceeding 11,000 tonnes. They will reach speeds over 18 knots, accommodate 100 personnel, and operate continuously at sea for up to 30 days.
Additionally, they will be equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems including close-in weapon stations, remote-controlled weapon systems, and chaff/decoy systems.
Facilities will include helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landing platforms with integrated communication systems providing command and control for fleet operations.
“Once commissioned, the vessels will further enhance the Portuguese Navy’s capabilities in peacekeeping, stability, and crisis management, while also making positive contributions to NATO’s collective capabilities,” Minister Yaşar Güler added.
