STM, Türkiye’s leading naval engineering company, has held the keel laying ceremony for
N.R.P. FERNANDO PESSOA, the second Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ship being
built for the Portuguese Navy, in Istanbul. With both vessels now under construction
simultaneously, the project marks another important milestone in Türkiye’s first-ever militaryship export to a European Union (EU) and NATO member country.
“Delivering Flexible, NATO-Compliant Naval Solutions Worldwide”
Speaking at the ceremony, STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz highlighted the steady progress of
the project and STM’s growing role in international naval programmes:
“As Türkiye’s leading naval engineering company, STM continues to bring the experience gained from
44 naval platform projects across 11 different shipyards to friendly and allied nations. Today, we are
proud to reach another important milestone in our landmark project for Portugal, which represents
Türkiye’s first-ever military ship export to an EU and NATO member country.
While hull construction and outfitting activities continue on the first vessel, N.R.P. LUÍS DE CAMÕES,
the keel laying of N.R.P. FERNANDO PESSOA marks the beginning of simultaneous construction
activities for both ships. We aim to launch both vessels in 2027 and deliver them to the Portuguese
Navy in 2028. STM will continue to provide navies worldwide with flexible, cost-effective and NATO-
compliant naval solutions, supported by efficient project management,
Nobre: This Ship Will Be a True Force Multiplier
Chief of the Portuguese Navy, Admiral Jorge Manuel Nobre de Sousa, highlighted the significant
contribution the ship will make to the operational capabilities of the Portuguese Navy, stating:
“This ship will significantly enhance the operational flexibility of the Portuguese Navy by providing the
logistical support required for a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disasterrelief to power projection and combat operations. More than a logistics support ship, it will be a true
force multiplier. Once in service, it will strengthen our ability to support NATO’s maritime operations,
enhance interoperability with our Allies, and reinforce our contribution to the collective defence of the
Euro-Atlantic area. This project is a tangible demonstration of the strong relations, mutual trust,
knowledge sharing, and strategic cooperation between Türkiye and Portugal, two NATO Allies. On
behalf of the Portuguese Navy, I would like to express my gratitude to the Turkish authorities, the
Turkish Navy, STM, and all personnel whose dedication and contributions have made this important
project possible, demonstrating our ability to work together towards shared objectives.”
Portugal’s Maritime Heritage Reflected in the Vessels’ Names
The vessels are named in honour of prominent figures reflecting Portugal’s rich literary and maritime
heritage. While the first ship bears the name of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s national poet, the second
vessel, previously designated N.R.P. D. DINIS in honour of King Dom Dinis, has been renamed N.R.P.
FERNANDO PESSOA by the Portuguese Navy. One of Portugal’s most celebrated 20th-century poets,
Fernando Pessoa explored the nation’s maritime history and cultural identity through his literary
works.
Multi-Role Capability
The Auxiliary Oiler Replenisher and Logistics Ships, a project considered a significant milestone in
showcasing Türkiye’s advancements in naval engineering, 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. With a stern-
quarter ro-ro ramp, each vessel will be capable of carrying up to 20 light armored tactical 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.
Sustained Operations and Versatile Capabilities
The vessels, measuring 137 meters in length with a displacement over 11,000 tonnes and a maximum
speed of over 18 knots, will be capable of operating continuously at sea for up to 30 days. Each ship
will accommodate 100 personnel and transport up to 20 light armored tactical vehicles. Equipped with
advanced sensors and weapon systems, the ships will primarily be configurated for anti-air warfare
while being capable of engaging in all principal warfare functions. The vessels will feature close-in
weapon systems, 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon systems and chaff/decoy systems, alongside a
range of advanced sensors. For helicopter operations, the ships will be equipped with a landing
platform for helicopters and UAVs, as well as a UAV hangar.