Türkiye’s naval engineering company STM has held the keel-laying ceremony for the second auxiliary oiler replenisher and logistics support ship (LSS) being built for the Portuguese Navy.
As informed, the ceremony for the vessel N.R.P. FERNANDO PESSOA took place at ADA Shipyard in Istanbul on October 20. STM signed the contract for the LSS project in Lisbon in December 2024, securing Türkiye’s first-ever military ship export to an EU and NATO member country.
Following the completion of the design phase, construction of the first vessel, N.R.P. LUÍS DE CAMÕES, commenced with its steel cutting ceremony in November 2025, followed by keel laying in January 2026. The steel cutting ceremony for the second vessel was subsequently held in June 2026.
With both vessels now under construction simultaneously, the project marks another important milestone.
Speaking at the ceremony, STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz highlighted the steady progress of the project and STM’s growing role in international naval programmes:
“As Türkiye’s leading naval engineering company, STM continues to bring the experience gained from 44 naval platform projects across 11 different shipyards to friendly and allied nations. Today, we are proud to reach another important milestone in our landmark project for Portugal, which represents Türkiye’s first-ever military ship export to an EU and NATO member country."
"While hull construction and outfitting activities continue on the first vessel, N.R.P. LUÍS DE CAMÕES, the keel laying of N.R.P. FERNANDO PESSOA marks the beginning of simultaneous construction activities for both ships. We aim to launch both vessels in 2027 and deliver them to the Portuguese Navy in 2028," he added.
“This ship will significantly enhance the operational flexibility of the Portuguese Navy by providing the logistical support required for a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to power projection and combat operations. More than a logistics support ship, it will be a true force multiplier. Once in service, it will strengthen our ability to support NATO’s maritime operations, enhance interoperability with our Allies, and reinforce our contribution to the collective defence of the Euro-Atlantic area," Chief of the Portuguese Navy, Admiral Jorge Manuel Nobre de Sousa, stated.
The vessels are named in honour of prominent figures reflecting Portugal’s rich literary and maritime heritage. While the first ship bears the name of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s national poet, the second vessel, previously designated N.R.P. D. DINIS in honour of King Dom Dinis, has been renamed N.R.P. FERNANDO PESSOA by the Portuguese Navy. One of Portugal’s most celebrated 20th-century poets, Fernando Pessoa explored the nation’s maritime history and cultural identity through his literary works.
The ships, measuring 137 meters in length with a displacement of over 11,000 tonnes and a maximum speed of over 18 knots, will be capable of operating continuously at sea for up to 30 days.
Each unit will accommodate 100 personnel and transport up to 20 light armored tactical vehicles. Equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, the ships will primarily be configured for anti-air warfare while being capable of engaging in all principal warfare functions.
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. For helicopter operations, the ships will be equipped with a landing platform for helicopters and UAVs, as well as a UAV hangar.
According to STM, the LSSs will feature a modular design. In addition to providing logistical support and transferring fuel and cargo at sea, the ships will have the capacity to transport armored vehicles, enabling them to support joint and amphibious operations. With a stern-quarter Ro-Ro ramp, each vessel will be capable of carrying up to 20 light armored tactical vehicles.
Thanks to their modular, unique, and versatile design, the vessels will also be equipped to undertake humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and medical missions during crises. Fitted with an integrated communication system, the ships will have command and control capabilities that will enable efficient fleet coordination, it was concluded.
