Damen Shipyards Group has launched the NRP D. João II a Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) 10720 for the Portuguese Navy. The vessel entered the water at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania on April 7.
Damen press release
The launch event took place in the presence of Vice Admiral Pires on behalf of the Portuguese Navy, Rear Admiral Neculae representing the Romanian Naval Forces, His Excellency Paulo Alves Cunha, Ambassador of Portugal in Romania, and Her Excellency Mrs Willemijn van Haaften, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Romania.
A visionary concept by the Portuguese Navy
The MPV 10720 originates from a concept proposed by the Portuguese Navy to create a multi-functional naval platform capable of undertaking a wide range of duties according to its concept of operations.
The vessel has a high degree of system autonomy. It is designed for unrestricted service in tropical and moderate environments and is especially suited for multi-purpose activities such as oceanographic research, environmental control, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maritime surveillance and support tasks.
Damen’s collaboration and technical realisation
Following a competitive tender process, Damen signed the contract in 2024. The project received funding through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), part of the NextGenerationEU programme. The funding is managed by Recover Portugal (PRR).
Building on the Portuguese Navy’s vision, Damen worked closely with its customer and strategic co-makers and suppliers to refine the design and bring it to life. This collaboration has also led to the development of Damen’s new Multi-Purpose Support Ship (MPSS) range, spanning 7,000–9,000 tons, which integrates military-grade technology with proven standardised solutions for cost efficiency and rapid delivery.
Short lead time
The launching ceremony marks the start of pre-delivery, but the vessel’s journey has just begun. As Bram Langeveld, Damen Chief Commercial Officer, stated: “Given Portugal’s vast coastline, this ship is a valuable addition to both the Portuguese navy and European maritime operations. It will support maritime security, scientific research, and disaster relief efforts.”
“The MPV 10720 is the result of the Portuguese Navy’s forward-thinking and innovative approach to meeting modern naval requirements. Damen has greatly valued the navy’s clear vision and constructive partnership, which has enabled efficient construction within a short timeframe.”
A ship honouring Portugal’s maritime heritage
The vessel is named in honour of the Portuguese King who ruled from 1481–1495 and is renowned for his support of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Sea trials of the vessel are scheduled later this year, after which she will join Damen-built frigates NRP Bartolomeu Dias and NRP D. Francisco de Almeida in the Portuguese Naval Fleet.
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