Kongsberg Maritime will supply fuelling at sea  and replenishment at sea  equipment for two Portuguese naval replenishment and logistic ships that will be designed and built by Turkish naval shipbuilder STM.

The Portuguese navy currently operates a single replenishment vessel, which will be replaced by the two new vessels.

The new 137m AOR+ vessels will displace 11,000 tonnes, have a top speed of 18 knots, and be capable of operating at sea for 90 days. There will be accommodation for up to 100 personnel and space to transport up to 20 light tactical armoured vehicles. Each ship will have air defence capability and support helicopter and UAV operations.

The contract between STM and the Portuguese navy marks the first time that STM will provide naval vessels to a European Union (EU) and NATO member state. This is the second collaboration between STM and Kongsberg Maritime.

The FAS equipment provided by Kongsberg Maritime benefits from decades of experience and R&D. Kongsberg Maritime pioneered the development of electrically operated RAS/FAS equipment, which guarantees faster deployment times and ensures safer, better operations in cold climates.

Chris Nelson, Naval Sales Director for Kongsberg Maritime, said: “We have worked with STM before, and this new contract cements our relationship with STM. Interest is rising among the world’s navies for effective RAS/FAS equipment, and our solutions are safe, efficient, and tested.”