TSAMTO, April 9th. On April 7, the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group announced the launching ceremony of the MPV-10720 project Dom Joao II support ship at the Galac shipyard in Romania.
The new multi-purpose support ship is designed for the Portuguese Navy.
Sea trials of the ship, built under the contract signed in 2023, are expected to begin at the end of 2026.
The MPV-10720 project was developed based on the concept proposed by the Portuguese Navy for creating a multifunctional naval platform that provides the ability to perform a wide range of tasks. The ship has a high degree of autonomy and can be used without restrictions in tropical and temperate latitudes for various tasks, including oceanographic research, environmental monitoring, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, maritime reconnaissance, and supply.
As CAMTO reported, in November 2023, Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with the Portuguese Navy command for the design, construction and equipping of a modern multi-purpose support ship.
The agreement is mainly funded by the European Union Recovery and Sustainability Fund (RRF). 94.5 million euros are allocated from this fund to finance the construction, in addition to 37.5 million euros of public investment.
The Dom Joao II ship is expected to be commissioned by the Portuguese Navy in the second half of 2026.
The Portuguese Navy has become the first customer of a multi-purpose support ship, whose main tasks will be to ensure safety at sea, supply ships to the fleet, conduct oceanographic research, conduct reconnaissance and launch attacks by uninhabited vehicles of various types, including aircraft, surface and underwater. In addition to its main functions, the ship will be able to perform a wide range of other tasks, including support for diving operations, amphibious landings, assistance to victims in emergency situations, search and rescue operations, support for rescue operations on submarines, etc.
To conduct oceanographic research and monitor the situation, the Dom Joao II ship will be equipped with laboratories and living quarters for scientific personnel, as well as a hangar for UAVs.
The descent and ascent of uninhabited underwater and surface vehicles will be carried out from the aft ramp. The 94x11 m flight deck will allow the operation of helicopters and UAVs weighing up to 22 tons. Cargo deck of 650 sq. m. The m will provide transportation of 18 vehicles or 12 20-foot containers, which will allow, if necessary, to accommodate various modular systems on board, including container-type hospital facilities, hyperbaric chambers, etc.
As planned, the length of the vessel will be 107.6 m, width – 20 m, crew – 48 people. Additional facilities will be provided on board for permanent accommodation of up to 100 specialists and temporary accommodation for up to 42 people. The estimated speed is up to 18 knots, the range is 10 thousand nautical miles. Thanks to the modular approach, the ship can be used all year round, and its autonomy will be at least 45 days.
