NRP D. João II, also known as the Multifunctional Naval Platform, will be a multipurpose ship for the Portuguese Navy, capable of carrying out surveillance operations, oceanographic research, environmental and meteorological monitoring, as well as emergency evacuation missions.[2] It is funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) that is part of Next Generation EU.[3][4]
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Damen Shipyards Galați |
| Operators |  Portuguese Navy |
| Built | 2024-present |
| Planned | 1 |
| Building | 1 |
 Portugal | |
| Name | D. João II |
| Ordered | 24 November 2023 |
| Builder | Damen Group |
| Laid down | 3 October 2024[1] |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Multi-purpose ship |
| Displacement | 7,000 t (6,900 long tons) |
| Length | 107.6 m (353 ft 0 in) |
| Beam | 20 m (65 ft 7 in) |
| Propulsion | 2 Tier III motors |
| Speed | 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) |
| Boats & landing craft carried | 4 |
| Capacity | 18 containers/ 18 vehicles or 10 semi-rigid boats |
| Troops | Up to 300 soldiers in emergency situation |
| Complement | 48 |
| Aircraft carried | 2 × helicopters and UAVs |
| Aviation facilities | 2 × hangars |
History
editThe contract for the construction of this ship was signed on 24 November 2023 with Damen Group. Construction will be carried out at the Damen shipyard in Galați, Romania[5] and the ship is expected to enter active service in the second half of 2026.[6] The keel laying ceremony took place on 3 October 2024.[7] In October 2024 it was reported that Alewijnse had been contracted to complete the electrical installation of the ship.[8]
Design
editThe design of the Multifunctional Naval Platform (PNM) was made by Damen based on the requirements laid down by the Portuguese Navy.[9] The ship will have a total length of 107.6 metres (353 ft 0 in), and will function as an aerial, land and underwater drone carrier, increasing its ocean research and monitoring capacity.[10] To perform marine ecology monitoring and oceanic research and surveillance, the ship will be equipped with laboratories and have accommodation for scientific personnel.[11][12] When it comes to naval support the ship will have a 94-by-11-metre (308 ft × 36 ft) flight deck and hangars that can host unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters.[13] Furthermore, the PNM has a stern ramp for unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles.[9]
General characteristics
edit- 94 metre runway for unmanned aerial vehicle;
- Deck for landing heavy helicopter such as the Portuguese Air Force AgustaWestland AW101s;
- 1 hangar capable of holding a helicopter;
- 1 hangar/workshop for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones);
- Catapult for launching drones;
- Capacity for 18 military light utility vehicles / 18 containers or 10 speedboats;
- Lower hangar with cranes and rails for handling containers;
- Capacity to transport 4 speedboats;
- Side door for vehicle entry;
- Crane with a capacity of 30 tonnes;
- Ramp for disembarking boats;
- Side hangar for operating a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) with a cargo lift;
- Area to receive 100 people/military personnel with accommodation and toilets;
- Capacity for 42 scientists;
- In an emergency situation, it can accommodate a further 200 people in the lower hangar;
- Laboratories;
- A Role 2 NATO hospital;
- Accommodations for its garrison.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Damen holds joint steel cutting and keel laying ceremony for Portuguese Navy's Multi-Purpose Ship". navelnews.com. 3 October 2024.
- ^ Cerimónia de assinatura do contrato para a construção da Plataforma Naval Multifuncional (Gravação), 24 November 2023, retrieved 2023-11-25
- ^ Mariska Buitendijk (7 October 2024). "Damen lays keel and cuts steel for Portuguese Navy ship". SWZ|Maritime.
- ^ Mariska Buitendijk (28 October 2024). "Damen to expand ties with Portuguese shipbuilding". SWZ|Maritime.
- ^ Radu Dumitrescu (7 February 2024). "Damen shipyard in Romania to build drone aircraft carrier for Portuguese navy". romania-insider.com.
- ^ "Novo navio multifunções da Marinha vai custar 132 milhões de euros e estará pronto em 2026". www.cmjornal.pt (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-11-25.
- ^ "Șantierul naval Damen Galați construiește primul portavion de drone din Europa, care va intra în dotarea marinei portugheze". g4media.ro (in Romanian). 3 October 2024.
- ^ Mariska Buitendijk (23 October 2024). "Alewijnse lands major contract for Portuguese navy ship". SWZ|Maritime.
- ^ a b "Portuguese Navy signs contract with Damen Shipyards for innovative Multi-Purpose Vessel". EDR Online. 25 November 2023.
- ^ "Portuguese Navy signs contract with Damen Shipyards for innovative Multi-Purpose Vessel | Damen". www.damen.com. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
- ^ "Scheepsbouwer Damen gaat schip van ruim 100 meter bouwen voor Portugese marine". NU.nl (in Dutch). 25 November 2023.
- ^ "Portugal Navy aims to enter big league by unveiling drone carrier ship". Navy Recognition. 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Portuguese Navy signs contract with Damen for innovative Multi-Purpose Vessel". Naval News. 25 November 2023.