STM Defence Technologies held the keel-laying ceremony for N.R.P. Fernando Pessoa, the second vessel of the Replenishment and Logistics Support Ship Project it is building for the Portuguese Navy, on 20 October 2026 at the ADA Shipyard in Istanbul. The project holds the distinction of being Türkiye's first military ship export to a European Union and NATO member state.
Following the contract STM signed in Lisbon on 17 December 2024, the steel cutting for the first vessel, N.R.P. Luís de Camões, took place in November 2025, with its block keel-laying ceremony held in January 2026. The steel cutting for the second vessel was carried out on 18 June 2026.
Ships Being Built for the Portuguese Navy to Be Delivered in 2028
In his speech at the ceremony, STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz stated that the project is progressing in line with the planned schedule: "While the block construction and outfitting activities of the first vessel continue, we are continuing the construction of both vessels simultaneously at the same shipyard by laying the blocks of the second vessel as well. We will launch our vessels in 2027 and deliver them to the Portuguese Naval Forces within 2028."
Portuguese Navy Commander Admiral Nobre de Sousa, meanwhile, stated that the ship will provide logistics support across a broad mission spectrum, from humanitarian aid and disaster response to power projection, and said: "This ship, which will be far more than a logistics support ship, will assume a genuine force multiplier role."
Features of the Logistics Support Ships
The ships being built at the ADA Shipyard in Istanbul have a length of 137 metres, a displacement of 11,000 tonnes and a maximum speed of 18+ knots. Capable of remaining at sea without interruption for 30 days, the ships have the capacity to accommodate 100 additional personnel on top of a crew of 100 mission personnel. The ships can carry up to 20 light armoured tactical vehicles.
The ships, which have a modular design, will be able to carry out humanitarian aid, search and rescue and medical support missions in addition to fuel and cargo transfer at sea. The ships, to be equipped with close-in air defence systems, 12.7 mm remotely controlled weapon systems and chaff/decoy systems, also include a platform and hangar for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
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