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Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with Turkish shipbuilder STM to supply fueling-at-sea and replenishment-at-sea equipment for two Portuguese naval replenishment and logistic ships, marking Türkiye's first military vessel export to a European Union and NATO member state.
The Norwegian maritime technology company will provide fueling at sea (FAS) and replenishment at sea (RAS) equipment for the 137-meter vessels, which STM will design and build for the Portuguese Navy.
The contract represents the second collaboration between STM and Kongsberg Maritime.
The new AOR+ vessels will displace 11,000 tonnes, reach top speeds of 18 knots, and operate at sea for 90 days without interruption.
Each ship will accommodate up to 100 personnel plus an additional 100 external personnel and transport up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles.
The Portuguese Navy currently operates a single replenishment vessel, which will be replaced by the two new ships expected for delivery in 2028.
The vessels feature modular designs enabling multiple mission capabilities, including humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and hospital operations during crises.
The ships will be equipped with air defense capabilities and support helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, including dedicated UAV hangars.
Defense systems include close-in weapon systems, 12.7 mm remotely controlled weapon systems, and chaff/decoy systems with advanced sensors.
"Our FAS equipment benefits from decades of experience and R&D. We pioneered the development of electrically operated RAS/FAS equipment, which guarantees faster deployment times and ensures safer, better operations in cold climates," Kongsberg Maritime noted in its official statement.
Chris Nelson, Naval Sales Director for Kongsberg Maritime, emphasized the significance of the partnership: "We have worked with STM before, and this new contract cements our relationship with STM. Interest is rising among the world's navies for effective RAS/FAS equipment, and our solutions are safe, efficient, and tested."
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The Dec. 17, 2024, contract signed in Lisbon represents a milestone for Türkiye's naval engineering capabilities.
STM will serve as the main contractor for construction at a Turkish shipyard, with work beginning in 2025.
The Portuguese Navy selected STM's engineering solution as the most successful option for their Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ship Project.
The vessels will provide logistic support, conduct at-sea fuel and cargo transfers, and support joint force projection and amphibious operations.
The ships will feature integrated communication systems and command-and-control capabilities, making them versatile platforms for various naval operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions.
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