Freire shipyard press release
The latest generation vessel, part of the process of modernization and replacement of auxiliary units of the Spanish Navy, aims to strengthen its underwater intervention capabilities. It will be destined for the Military Diving School (EMB), which will allow the Navy to reinforce its obligatory role as a reference in this field, both nationally and internationally.
The vessel will have a length of 31,7 meters and a beam of 9 meters, with a range of 500 nautical miles. Its optimized design will accommodate up to 30 crew members, ensuring efficient use of space and resources on board. Additionally, it will feature cutting-edge equipment such as a side-scan sonar, an autonomous vehicle (AV), and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of exploring depths of up to 900 meters, providing exceptional capabilities for conducting complex underwater operations.
This project not only reinforces our commitment to innovation but also underscores our support for the Navy’s strategic needs, consolidating our collaboration in key initiatives for maritime security and technology.
-End-
Naval News comments:
Freire shipyards is well-known for the construction of research and support vessels. Mainly meant to oceanographic and general support purposes, the Spanish shipbuilder has sold to prestigious research centers around the world including in the UAE, France, UK etc. Directly related to Navies, in 2017 the shipyard delivered the ‘BAP Carrasco’ oceanographic vessel used by the Peruvian Navy and more recently, in 2020, the 72m-long research vessel ‘Belgica’ to the Belgian Navy.
