Freire Shipyard launches new diving support vessel for Spanish Navy

Spanish shipbuilder Freire Shipyard has launched a new diving support vessel, NB-739 A22 Proserpina, for the Spanish Navy.

The vessel was launched in the Port of Vigo on April 13, 2026.

Measuring 32.9 metres in length, Proserpina has a beam of 9 metres. Its range is 500 nautical miles, and it can reach a top speed of 12 knots. The vessel accommodates a crew of up to 15 personnel.

At the core of its capabilities is a dynamic positioning system (DP2), enabling the vessel to maintain a stable position during complex subsea operations.

This is complemented by an advanced suite of underwater technologies, including side-scan sonar, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), all of which support detailed observation, inspection, and intervention tasks beneath the surface.

The vessel is intended to support the Military Diving School (EMB), playing a central role in training, technical missions, and ensuring safe execution of underwater operations. Officials describe the platform as a key asset in modernising the navy’s approach to subsea activities.

Freire Shipyard highlighted that Proserpina is the first steel vessel constructed by a private shipyard for the Spanish Navy, underscoring growing collaboration between public defence institutions and private industry.

As A22 Proserpina moves toward commissioning, it is expected to strengthen Spain’s capacity for underwater inspection, exploration, and intervention.

To remind, the keel-laying ceremony for the diving support vessel was held in November last year.