STM, Türkiye’s leading naval engineering company, has marked a new milestone in its naval export project for the Portuguese Navy by holding the steel-cutting ceremony for the project’s second ship, N.R.P. D. DINIS, in Istanbul. Executed under STM’s main contractor role, the project represents Türkiye’s first-ever naval ship export to a European Union (EU) and NATO member country.
STM press release
STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. continues to expand its role in international naval programs through advanced engineering, project management expertise, and proven experience in naval shipbuilding.
The project stands as a landmark achievement for Türkiye’s defence and naval engineering sectors. STM was selected as the winning bidder in the Portuguese Navy’s Logistics Support Ship tender, where the company outperformed several leading international shipbuilders. The contract was signed on 17 December 2024 in Lisbon, followed by the completion of the design phase. Construction of the first ship began with the steel cutting ceremony held in November 2025, followed by its keel laying ceremony in January 2026.
While construction activities on the first ship continue, the steel cutting ceremony for the project’s second ship, N.R.P. D. DINIS (A5212), was held on 18 June 2026 in Istanbul. With this ceremony, construction activities for the second Logistics Support Ship have officially begun. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Portuguese Navy, executives of STM and ADA Shipyard, and project teams.
The vessels being built under the project carry names of historical and cultural significance for Portugal. While the first ship bears the name of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s national poet, the second ship has been named after King Dom Dinis, a key figure in Portugal’s maritime development.
“We Are Proud to Support the Portuguese Navy with NATO-Compliant Platforms”
Speaking at the ceremony, STM Deputy General Manager Bülent Soydal, emphasized STM’s position as a trusted partner for global navies:
“Primarily serving the Turkish Navy, STM also contributes to the defence capabilities of friendly and allied navies, from Ukraine to Portugal and from Pakistan to Malaysia. Today marks another important milestone in the Portuguese Navy Logistics Support Ship Project, as we officially commence the construction process of the project’s second ship, N.R.P. D. DINIS. While construction activities continue on the first ship and outfitting activities have begun, we are proud to advance this strategic program in line with its planned schedule. With experience gained from 44 naval projects carried out across 11 different shipyards, and our expertise in delivering NATO-compliant platforms, we are proud to support Portugal with reliable and mission-ready naval solutions. We aim to launch both ships in 2027 and deliver them to the Portuguese Navy in 2028.”
Multi-Role Capability
The construction of 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 ro-ro ramp, each vessel will be capable of carrying up to 20 light tactical armored 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 tones 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 tactical armored vehicles. Equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, the ships will primarily support air defence operations 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 include a landing platform for helicopters and UAVs, as well as a UAV hangar.
Technical Specifications
The Multi-Purpose Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR+) vessels are versatile, joint logistics support ships designed to provide both solid and liquid cargo support to surface platforms during peace and wartime.
Capabilities
- Replenishment At-Sea
- Command and Control
- Logistics Support
- Medical Support
- Amphibious Operations
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Regional Power Projection
- Search and Rescue
- Citizens Evacuation
- Sanitary Support
- Helicopter Operations
- Unmanned Operations
Main Dimensions
- Length Overall (LOA) : 137.00 m
- Length Waterline (LWL) : 128.76 m
- Breadth (B): 19.10 m
- Design Draught (TDESIGN): 6.70 m
- Displacement (Δ): 11000 tons
General Particulars
- Max. Speed with Diesel Propulsion : 18+ knots
- Max. Speed with Electric Propulsion : 6+ knots
- Cruising Speed : 14 knots
- Range : 14000+ nm at 14 knots speed
- Endurance : 30 days
- Crew : 50 Personnel + Accommodation for 50 additional personnel + Temporary accommodation for 100 pax
Cargo Capacities
- F-76: 4000 m3
- F-44: 350 m3
- Fresh Water: 650 m3
- General Cargo: 700 m3
- Containers: 6 x 20 ft containers
- Ammunition
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