NRP D. João II
Portuguese naval vessel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
NRP D. João II, also known as the Multifunctional Naval Platform, will be a multipurpose ship for the Portuguese Navy, capable of carrying out surveillance operations, oceanographic research, environmental and meteorological monitoring, as well as emergency evacuation missions.[5] It is funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) that is part of Next Generation EU.[6][7]
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Damen Shipyards Galați[1] |
| Operators |  Portuguese Navy |
| Built | 2024-present |
| Planned | 1 |
| Completed | 1 |
 Portugal | |
| Name | D. João II |
| Ordered | 24 November 2023 |
| Builder | Damen Group |
| Cost | €132 million[2] |
| Laid down | 3 October 2024[3] |
| Launched | 7 April 2026[4] |
| Status | Awaiting sea trials |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Multi-purpose ship |
| Displacement | 7,000 t (6,900 long tons) |
| Length | 107.6 m (353 ft 0 in) |
| Beam | 20 m (65 ft 7 in) |
| Propulsion | 2 Tier III motors |
| Speed | 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) |
| Boats & landing craft carried | 4 |
| Capacity | 18 containers/ 18 vehicles or 10 semi-rigid boats |
| Troops | Up to 300 soldiers in emergency situation |
| Complement | 48 |
| Aircraft carried | 2 × helicopters and UAVs |
| Aviation facilities | 2 × hangars |
History
The contract for the construction of this ship was signed on 24 November 2023 with Damen Group. Construction will be carried out at the Damen shipyard in Galați, Romania[8] and the ship is expected to enter active service in the second half of 2026.[9] The keel laying ceremony took place on 3 October 2024.[10][11][12] In October 2024 it was reported that Alewijnse had been contracted to complete the electrical installation of the ship.[13] In January 2025 it was reported that Schottel will supply two EcoPeller SRE 560 and one TransverseThruster STT 3 FP for the NRP D. João II.[14]
The ship was launched on 7 April 2026.[4] It will enter service after conducting sea trials which are scheduled later in 2026.[15]
Design
The design of the Multifunctional Naval Platform (PNM) was made by Damen based on the requirements laid down by the Portuguese Navy.[16] The ship will have a total length of 107.6 metres (353 ft 0 in), and will function as an aerial, land and underwater drone carrier, increasing its ocean research and monitoring capacity.[17] To perform marine ecology monitoring and oceanic research and surveillance, the ship will be equipped with laboratories and have accommodation for scientific personnel.[18][19] When it comes to naval support the ship will have a 94-by-11-metre (308 ft × 36 ft) flight deck and hangars that can host unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters.[20][21] Furthermore, the PNM has a stern ramp for unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles.[16]
General characteristics
- 94 metre runway for unmanned aerial vehicle;
- Deck for landing heavy helicopter such as the Portuguese Air Force AgustaWestland AW101s;
- 1 hangar capable of holding a helicopter;
- 1 hangar/workshop for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones);
- Catapult for launching drones;
- Capacity for 18 military light utility vehicles / 18 containers or 10 speedboats;
- Lower hangar with cranes and rails for handling containers;
- Capacity to transport 4 speedboats;
- Side door for vehicle entry;
- Crane with a capacity of 30 tonnes;
- Ramp for disembarking boats;
- Side hangar for operating a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) with a cargo lift;
- Area to receive 100 people/military personnel with accommodations and facilities;
- Capacity for 42 scientists;
- In an emergency situation, it can accommodate a further 200 people in the lower hangar;
- Laboratories;
- A Role 2 NATO hospital;
- Accommodations for its garrison.