Portuguese Navy Launches NRP D. João II Multipurpose Vessel
The Portuguese Navy reached a significant milestone on April 7, 2026, with the official launch of the NRP D. João II. The multipurpose ship, also known as the Multifunctional Naval Platform (PNM), was launched at the Damen Shipyards Galați facility in Romania.
Designed to provide high operational flexibility, the NRP D. João II will serve as a versatile asset capable of performing a wide array of missions. Its primary roles include maritime surveillance, oceanographic research and environmental and meteorological monitoring. The vessel is also equipped to handle emergency evacuation missions and humanitarian support.
The addition of this platform underscores Portugal’s strategic move toward integrating unmanned systems into its naval operations. The ship is designed to function as a carrier for land, air, and underwater drones, significantly expanding the navy’s capacity for ocean monitoring and research. To support these scientific efforts, the vessel features onboard laboratories and dedicated accommodations for scientific personnel.
Technical specifications for the 7,000-ton vessel include a length of 107.6 meters and a beam of 20 meters. For aviation support, the ship features a 94-meter flight deck and two hangars capable of hosting helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In emergency scenarios, the ship can transport up to 300 soldiers and has the capacity to carry 18 containers, 18 vehicles, or 10 semi-rigid boats.
The vessel is powered by two Tier III motors and is equipped with specialized propulsion systems, including two Schottel EcoPeller SRE 560s and one TransverseThruster STT 3 FP. The electrical installation was completed by Alewijnse.
The project was funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF), part of the Next Generation EU initiative. The construction contract was signed with the Damen Group on November 24, 2023, with the keel being laid on October 3, 2024. The total cost of the project is €132 million.
Following the April 7, 2026, launch, the NRP D. João II will undergo a series of sea trials scheduled for later this year. Officials expect the ship to enter active service in the second half of 2026.
