Turkey Begins Production of Second Logistics Ship for Portugal

In Istanbul, the production of the second logistics support ship for the Portuguese Navy has started. The project aims to launch two ships by 2027 and deliver them in 2028.

The production process of the second ship in Turkey’s At-Sea Replenishment and Logistics Support Ships Project for the Portuguese Navy has officially started in Istanbul. The steel cutting ceremony for the ship named N. R. P. D. DINIS was held at ADA Shipyard.

This project marks Turkey’s first military ship export to a European Union and NATO member country. While work continues on the first ship being built for the Portuguese Navy, production has now begun on the second ship as well.

Second phase begins after the first ship

The steel cutting ceremony for the first ship took place in November 2025, and the ship was laid down in Istanbul in January 2026. With the start of production for the second ship, N. R. P. D. DINIS, a new phase of the project has been completed.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Portuguese Navy, STM and ADA Shipyard executives, and project teams. Thus, the production of the second logistics support ship for Portugal officially commenced.

Ships planned for delivery in 2028

STM Deputy General Manager Bülent Soydal stated that they aim to launch the two ships in 2027 and deliver them to the Portuguese Navy in 2028. Soydal noted that the plan is to complete delivery of both ships within approximately four years.

The company’s statement highlighted STM’s experience in developing NATO-standard platforms gained from 44 maritime projects across 11 different shipyards, which is being transferred to Portugal. Soydal emphasized that they are a reliable solution partner for friendly and allied countries in military maritime fields.

Ships designed for versatile missions

The platforms built in Istanbul are designed with a modular structure. The ships will be capable of providing logistical support, transferring fuel and cargo at sea, transporting armored vehicles, and conducting joint power projection missions.

They are also suitable for amphibious operations, humanitarian aid during crises, search and rescue, and medical support tasks. Each ship will have the capacity to carry up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles.

The ships will feature an integrated communication system, enhancing their command and control capabilities.

Notable technical specifications

The ships will measure 137 meters in length, have a displacement of 11,000 tons, and a maximum speed exceeding 18 knots. They can remain at sea continuously for 30 days and carry 100 crew members plus an additional 100 external personnel.

The ships will primarily be equipped with sensors and weapon systems focused on air defense warfare. They will include a close-in air defense system, 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapons, decoy systems, as well as flight decks and hangars for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

As part of the project, the ships are named to reflect Portugal’s historical and cultural heritage. The first ship is named after Portugal’s national poet Luís de Camões, while the second ship carries the name of King Dom Dinis, who played a significant role in Portugal’s maritime history.