Türkiye’s STM nets deal to build two logistics support ships for Portuguese Navy

December 18, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

Türkiye’s shipbuilding company STM has secured a contract to build two logistics support vessels for the Portuguese Navy.

As disclosed, two auxiliary oiler replenisher and logistics ships (AOR+) will be designed and built in Türkiye, with STM as the main contractor. This marks the first instance of Türkiye exporting military ships to a European Union (EU) and NATO member state through STM.

The contract signing ceremony for the vessels was held on December 17, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal.

View on Twitter.

The Portuguese Navy selected STM’s design and engineering solution as “the most effective and awarded the contract to the Turkish company”.

Under the AOR+ Project (Navio Reabastecedor de Esquadra e Logístico, NRE+ in Portuguese), STM will act as the main contractor. Two ships will be designed and constructed in a private Turkish shipyard, with construction scheduled to commence in 2025.

“Türkiye’s defence industry, has grown significantly in recent years. Türkiye, which is one of the 10 countries in the world that manufactures its own warships, has now started to produce these products as well as export them to our friendly and allied countries. Developing strong defence and defence industry cooperation with our NATO Allies is a top priority for Türkiye,” Haluk Görgün, Secretary of Defence Industries of Türkiye, said.

“We also see this agreement as a step towards greater cooperation in other areas, such as unmanned maritime vehicles, electronic warfare systems, and further shipbuilding and naval modernization projects. We look forward to working together, ensuring timely, high-quality results that will help the Portuguese Navy meet its operational needs for years to come.”

“While we continue to strengthen the Turkish Navy with our national platforms, we are also undertaking various surface and submarine projects for Ukraine, Malaysia, and Pakistan. With our engineering and design capabilities, combined with international experience, we implement swift, modular, cost-effective, and collaborative projects that are open to information sharing,” Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, highlighted.

“The Fleet Tanker PNS MOAWIN, designed for the Pakistan Navy, has been serving as the logistics support and flagship of the fleet since 2018. We have also built and delivered two logistics support ship for the Turkish Navy, which have participated in numerous international maritime operations, including NATO missions,” Güleryüz continued.

Characteristics of the vessels

The new logistics support vessels (LSVs) being developed under the leadership of STM will feature an original design and modular architecture tailored to optimally meet the strategic objectives and operational requirements of the Portuguese Navy.

The vessels will boast a length of 137 meters, have a displacement of 11,000 tons, and they will be able to travel at a maximum speed of over 18 knots. They will be capable of operating continuously at sea for up to 90 days. Each ship will accommodate 100 personnel and transport up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles.

Equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, the ships will primarily support air defense operations while being capable of engaging in all principal warfare functions, according to STM.

The vessels will feature close-in weapon systems, 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon systems, and chaff/decoy systems, alongside a range of advanced sensors, the company added.

For helicopter operations, the ships will include a landing platform for helicopters and UAVs, as well as a UAV hangar.

In addition to their primary role in providing logistical support, including fuel and cargo transfer at sea, the vessels will be capable of transporting armored vehicles, enhancing their ability to support joint and amphibious operations. Each ship will feature an aft vehicle ramp, enabling the transportation of up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles, which can be rapidly deployed during operations.

According to STM, the vessels’ modular, original, and versatile design ensures they are adaptable to a wide range of missions. In times of crisis, they will be equipped to carry out humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and medical operations, providing vital support in emergencies.

Additionally, the vessels will be fitted with an integrated communication system, granting them advanced command and control capabilities to facilitate efficient fleet coordination and ensure seamless operations across diverse missions.

“We believe these ships will make a significant contribution to the Portuguese Navy’s regional operations as a key player in the Atlantic and to NATO missions. The vessels will be constructed in Türkiye under STM’s leadership, with construction set to begin in 2025,” Güleryüz concluded.

Read more