Construction Commences on Portuguese Navy’s New AOR+ Ships
Steel-Cutting Ceremony Marks Milestone
On November 14, 2025, a steel-cutting ceremony was held at the ADA Shipyard in Istanbul, signifying the initiation of construction for the first of two Multi-Purpose Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR+) vessels for the Portuguese Navy. The Turkish shipyard STM is the primary contractor responsible for this project.
Contractual Framework
The contract for the creation of these two AOR+ and Logistics Ships was formalized on December 17, 2024, in Lisbon and officially commenced in April 2025. The keel-laying ceremony is anticipated to occur in January 2026, with the first vessel, named Luís de Camões, slated for delivery in April 2028. STM has indicated that an eight-month interval will separate the deliveries of the two ships.
Advanced Design and Operational Versatility
The AOR+ ships are designed with a modular structure that enhances their operational scope beyond conventional at-sea replenishment. Key specifications and capabilities include:
- Logistic Support: The vessels can transfer both fuel and cargo efficiently.
- Transport Capability: Each ship is equipped to carry up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles using a stern roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ramp, making them pivotal for joint force projection and amphibious missions.
- Humanitarian Operations: The flexible configuration enables these vessels to conduct a range of tasks, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, medical support, and search-and-rescue operations.
- Integrated Communications: An advanced communication system will provide command-and-control (C2) capabilities, facilitating streamlined coordination of fleet-level operations.
This initiative underscores the Portuguese Navy’s commitment to enhancing its logistical and operational capabilities while preparing for diverse mission requirements in various operational theaters.
Implications for Naval Strategy
The introduction of the AOR+ ships will likely bolster Portugal’s naval strategy, enabling greater flexibility and enhanced operational readiness. By investing in these modern platforms, the Portuguese Navy positions itself to meet evolving maritime challenges and contribute effectively to multinational operations and humanitarian missions.
In summary, the Portuguese Navy’s new AOR+ vessels stand at the forefront of modern naval replenishment strategies, combining advanced technology with versatile operational capabilities to meet a range of mission requirements.
