Keel laid for Spanish Navy’s new diving support vessel

November 25, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Spanish shipbuilder Freire Shipyard has held a keel-laying ceremony for the new diving support vessel (NB 739) for the Spanish Navy.

The ceremony took place in Vigo on November 7, 2025. The vessel will measure 32.90 meters in length and 9 meters in beam, with a range of 500 nautical miles and accommodation for 15 crew members. Furthermore, it will feature eco-friendly technologies aimed at fuel consumption optimization and reducing emissions.

The diving support vessel or EAB ) will be a specialized platform designed to assist the navy’s Diving School (EMB) in the training of all diving disciplines. The unit will be equipped with systems such as DP-2 dynamic positioning, a hyperbaric chamber and a wet bell, enabling it to carry out deep diving operations and underwater interventions at depths of up to 90 meters.

Additionally, it willcome with advanced technology, such as a side-scan sonar, an autonomous vehicle (AV), and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of exploring depths of up to 900 meters.

“The design and construction of the Diver Support Vessel by Freire Shipyard represents an excellent opportunity to strengthen collaboration with private shipyards and to reaffirm the Spanish Navy’s commitment to developing a strong national industrial and technological base. To date, we are very satisfied with the results achieved and with the way in which the shipyard has adapted to the specific requirements and standards of the Navy,” said Rear Admiral Francisco Antón Brage, Deputy Director of Engineering at the Jefatura de Apoyo Logístico (Logistics Support Headquarters, JAL) and the Dirección de Ingeniería y Construcciones Navales (Directorate of Naval Engineering and Construction, DIC).

“The keel-laying of NB 739 represents a milestone for Freire Shipyard and the beggining of our collaboration with the Spanish Navy, which we hope to extend through future projects. It is a privilege to support the institution in the construction of this diving support vessel, which will enhance its autonomy, efficiency, and operational capabilities,” said Marcos and Guillermo Freire, general managers of the shipyard.

The incorporation of the EAB will enable the Navy’s Diving School (EMB) to carry out its duties more effectively, helping the Spanish Navy to maintain its leading position as a national and international reference in diving training, it was concluded.

To remind, in 2024, Freire Shipyard signed a construction contract with Spain for the new vessel. The delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.