The Damen shipyard in Galați, in southeastern Romania, launched a multi-purpose naval vessel on Tuesday, April 7. The ship was built for the Portuguese Navy at a cost of EUR 132 million, financed under Portugal’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), supported by the European Union. Following a tender procedure, Damen signed the contract in 2024.
The 107.6-meter MPV 10720-class vessel, christened NRP D. João II, is a modern alternative to traditional aircraft carriers, designed to coordinate the operations of aerial, surface, and underwater drones.
The vessel’s name pays tribute to the Portuguese king who reigned from 1481 to 1495 and became renowned as a patron of the Age of Discovery.
The manufacturer emphasizes that the multifunctional ship can conduct oceanographic research, take part in disaster rescue operations, and carry out military missions. Sea trials are scheduled for this year, after which the vessel will enter service in the Portuguese fleet.
“The MPV 10720 vessel is based on a concept proposed by the Portuguese Navy, aimed at creating a multifunctional maritime platform capable of carrying out a wide range of missions depending on operational needs,” Damen wrote in a press release.
As the manufacturer added, the vessel is optimized for a variety of tasks, including oceanographic research, environmental monitoring, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as well as surveillance and maritime support missions. The ship features a high degree of onboard systems autonomy and is designed for unrestricted operation in both tropical and temperate zones.
