Spanish Freire Shipyard to build four naval support vessels for Sweden

February 25, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Spanish shipbuilder C.N.P. Freire has secured a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV – Försvarets materielverk) to construct four advanced naval support vessels.

The new vessels, each 47 meters long, will have a top speed of 12 knots, an operational endurance of 10 days, and accommodate a crew of 16 personnel.

They will be equipped with diesel-electric propulsion, a configuration that optimizes fuel consumption and reduces emissions, reflecting a focus on environmentally sustainable operations.

Once delivered, these ships will enhance Sweden’s maritime logistical and support capabilities, allowing FMV to respond more effectively in challenging conditions.

The vessels are designed to provide reliable support in ice-covered waters, ensuring operational readiness in the harshest maritime environments.

This contract highlights Sweden’s continued investment in modernizing its naval fleet while emphasizing efficiency, environmental responsibility, and resilience in extreme conditions.

In addition to this Swedish contract, Freire is also expanding its portfolio with work for its home nation. The shipbuilder has secured and begun construction of a new diver support vessel for the Spanish Navy.

The keel‑laying ceremony for this vessel, designed to support underwater training and intervention operations for the Military Diving School, was held in November 2025 in Vigo, with delivery scheduled for later in 2026.

The Spanish Navy project, which incorporates advanced systems such as dynamic positioning, hyperbaric facilities, and environmentally conscious technologies, highlights Freire’s growing role in supplying specialized vessels to military customers both domestically and abroad.