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Turkish naval engineering company STM held a steel-cutting ceremony on Thursday for the second Logistics Support Ship being built for the Portuguese Navy.
The ceremony, held in Istanbul for the vessel N.R.P. D. DINIS (A5212), officially marked the start of construction for the second ship under the project, according to a statement from STM.
It was attended by representatives of the Portuguese Navy, executives from STM and ADA Shipyard, and project teams.
STM was selected as the winning bidder in the Portuguese Navy's Logistics Support Ship tender, outperforming several leading international shipbuilders.
The contract was signed Dec. 17, 2024, in Lisbon, followed by completion of the design phase.
Construction of the first ship began with a steel-cutting ceremony in November 2025, followed by its keel-laying ceremony in January 2026. That ship's construction is ongoing, with outfitting activities now underway, according to STM.
STM Deputy General Manager Bulent Soydal said the company aims to launch both ships in 2027 and deliver them to the Portuguese Navy in 2028.
"Primarily serving the Turkish Navy, STM also contributes to the defense capabilities of friendly and allied navies, from Ukraine to Portugal and from Pakistan to Malaysia," Soydal said at the ceremony.
"While construction activities continue on the first ship and outfitting activities have begun, we are proud to advance this strategic program in line with its planned schedule," he added.
"With experience gained from 44 naval projects carried out across 11 different shipyards, and our expertise in delivering NATO-compliant platforms, we are proud to support Portugal with reliable and mission-ready naval solutions," Soydal noted.
The vessels carry names reflecting Portugal's historical and cultural heritage.
The first ship is named after Luis de Camoes, Portugal's national poet, while the second bears the name of King Dom Dinis, a key figure in Portugal's maritime development.
The Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships, built at ADA Shipyard in Istanbul, feature a modular design intended to showcase Türkiye's advancements in naval engineering.
Beyond providing logistical support and transferring fuel and cargo at sea, the ships will be capable of transporting armored vehicles, supporting joint and amphibious operations through a stern ro-ro ramp.
Each vessel will be capable of carrying up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles and will be equipped to undertake humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and medical support missions during crises.
An Integrated Communication System will provide command and control capabilities to support fleet coordination.
The vessels will measure 137 meters in length overall, with a displacement exceeding 11,000 tons and a maximum speed of more than 18 knots under diesel propulsion.
They will be capable of continuous operations at sea for up to 30 days, with a cruising range exceeding 14,000 nautical miles at 14 knots.
Each ship will accommodate a crew of 50, with capacity for 50 additional personnel and temporary accommodation for up to 100 passengers.
The vessels will primarily support air defense operations while remaining capable of engaging in all principal warfare functions, equipped with close-in weapon systems, 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon systems and chaff/decoy systems, alongside advanced sensors.
For aviation operations, the ships will include a landing platform and hangar for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Cargo capacity includes 4,000 cubic meters of F-76 fuel, 350 cubic meters of F-44 fuel, 650 cubic meters of fresh water, 700 cubic meters of general cargo, space for six 20-foot containers, and ammunition storage.
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