Deal signed for world’s 1st multipurpose ship with drone deployment capabilities

The Portuguese Navy has contracted Damen Shipyards Group for the design, construction and outfitting of the world’s first multipurpose vessel with drone deployment capabilities.

The contract was signed by Director of Ships Rear Admiral Jorge Pires and Damen Shipyards Group CCO Jan Wim Dekker. The project follows a European tender process and is funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

Damen has developed this 107-meter-long multipurpose Vessel based on the specific requirements of the Portuguese Navy.

The resulting design is a multipurpose platform, with primary mission roles including oceanic research, search and rescue, and emergency relief in addition to maritime safety and naval support operations. To this end, the vessel will be capable of deploying unmanned drones and helicopters, according to Damen.

For the oceanic research and monitoring scope of operations, the vessel will be equipped with laboratories and accommodation for scientific staff.

Furthermore, for the naval support aspect, the Damen-built vessel will have numerous design features to enable such operations. This will comprise a stern ramp for UUVs and USVs (unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles) as well as a 94×11-meter flight deck and hangars for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).

The new vessel will be classified by the Portuguese Navy as a multifunctional naval platform (PNM). To fully match this vessel designation, Damen has collaborated closely with the Portuguese Navy to incorporate future versatility into the design.

Specifically, this consists of a 650-square-meter cargo deck and space for twelve 20-foot containers. Modular systems such as containerized hospital facilities, hyperbaric chambers, or ROV equipment can therefore be installed as required.

“We are proud to have been selected to build this spectacular vessel for the Portuguese Navy,” Damen Shipyards Group CEO Arnout Damen said after the contract signing ceremony.

“We are convinced that this vessel will represent a major milestone in the naval sector. It is the first of its kind, with the highest capabilities to create awareness, deploy and manage all types of drones. This vessel’s multi-purpose functionality will enable the Portuguese Navy to develop the most demanding missions and at the same time the ability to perform research activities in the deepest areas of the ocean.”

The Portuguese Navy currently has two Damen-built vessels in service. These are the 122-metre-long Bartolomeu Dias class multipurpose frigates NRP Bartolomeu Dias and NRP D. Francisco de Almeida.

Both vessels originally served in the Royal Netherlands Navy (as Karel Doorman class frigates) before undergoing a substantial modernization program by Damen and the Dutch Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) agency.