Turkish naval engineering company STM has held a keel-laying ceremony for the auxiliary oiler replenisher and logistics ship being built for the Portuguese Navy.
The keel laying ceremony for the first logistics support ship currently under construction in Istanbul took place on January 29, 2026, at ADA Shipyard.
The project is being executed under STM’s main contractor role and stands as a ‘landmark’ achievement for Türkiye’s defense and naval engineering sectors. The contract for the project was signed in December 2024 in Lisbon, followed by the completion of the design phase and a steel-cutting ceremony two months ago, marking the start of construction activities.
“This project represents a significant gain for Türkiye and Portugal—two nations with deep-rooted maritime traditions—in terms of experience and technology sharing. With their original design, high speed, extensive cargo capacity, operational flexibility, and modular architecture enabling integration into a wide range of missions, I firmly believe that these ships will effectively meet the strategic objectives and operational requirements of the Portuguese Navy,” Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler said.
Portuguese Minister of Defense Nuno Melo emphasized that the project reflects the mutual trust between the navies and defence industries of Türkiye and Portugal.
The vessels will feature a modular design. In addition to providing logistical support, transferring fuel and cargo at sea, the ships will have the capacity to transport armored vehicles, enabling them to support joint and amphibious operations.
According to STM, each vessel will be equipped with a stern ro-ro ramp, capable of carrying up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles.
Thanks to their modular, unique, and versatile design, the vessels will also be equipped to undertake humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and medical missions during crises. Fitted with an integrated communication system, the ships will have command and control capabilities that will enable efficient fleet coordination.
Once commissioned, the vessels will further enhance the Portuguese Navy’s capabilities in peacekeeping, stability, and crisis management, while also making positive contributions to NATO’s collective capabilities, it was highlighted.