Damen launched for Portugal NRP D. João II. Ship with helicopter and drone deck

The Damen Shipyards Galați were launched multitasking vessel of type MPV 10720, future NRP The President for the Portuguese Navy. The unit is to conduct helicopter and unmanned operations and carry out maritime safety, oceanographic research and emergency response tasks.

The President with a wide range of tasks

Named after King John II The perfect ship is built on the basis of a project Damen Multi-Purpose Vessel MPV 10720, adapted to the requirements of the Portuguese Navy. The construction combines military-standard solutions with selected commercial elements, which aims to reduce costs and at the same time increase flexibility in operation. This includes modular equipment that allows the unit to adapt to a specific mission profile.

In practice, this means a platform capable of conducting operations with unmanned air, water and underwater systems, as well as helicopter operations, landing support, search and rescue operations and diving work. The ship is also to be used to rescue submarine crews, humanitarian missions, emergency response and research tasks.

Ship schedule and parameters

The contract for the construction of the ship was signed in late 2023, and the work began less than a year later. The project is financed by a Portuguese PRR recovery plan of EUR 94.5 million, with an additional contribution of EUR 37,5 million from the Portuguese State. The ship was originally assumed to be in service in 2026, but it is now being said to carry out naval trials later this year.

Future NRP The President will be 106.6 m long and 20 m wide. A continuous flight deck of 94 m long and 11 m wide will provide approximately 650 m2 of working space for helicopters and unmanned systems. The unit will also be able to carry up to 12 TEU containers, including specialised modules such as a container hospital or other task kits adapted to the nature of the mission.

Crew, autonomy and propulsion

The crew of the unit is expected to be 48 people. The ship will also be able to accommodate up to 100 additional personnel and, if necessary, increase the number of people accommodated by another 42 depending on the nature of the mission. Autonomousity was established for 45 days.

The combustion-electric drive will work with a pair of gondola propulsors, which is intended to provide the unit with high maneuverability, especially at low speeds. The ship will also receive the system dynamic positioning, relevant for air operations and other activities requiring precise position at sea.