STM has reached a new milestone in its Maritime Supply and Logistics Support Ship Project for the Portuguese Navy. The company held the steel-cutting ceremony for the second vessel in Istanbul on December 17, 2024, following the signing of the contract in Lisbon. Portuguese Navy representatives, along with STM and ADA Shipyard officials, attended the ceremony, marking significant progress in the project's execution.

The first vessel entered the steel-cutting phase in November 2025 and was laid down in Istanbul in January 2026. Following the completion of design activities, the structural construction and outfitting work on the first ship are currently underway. STM Deputy General Manager Bülent Soydal stated that both vessels are targeted for launch in 2027 and delivery to the Portuguese Navy in 2028. This timeline represents a significant achievement, with the company completing two vessels within approximately four years, demonstrating advanced project management capabilities in the international shipbuilding sector.

The vessels being constructed under this project bear names reflecting Portugal's historical and cultural heritage. The first ship is named after Luís de Camões, Portugal's national poet, while the second vessel, N.R.P. D. DINIS (A5212), is named after King Dom Dinis, who played a crucial role in Portugal's maritime development. Each ship thus carries a tribute to Portugal's naval history and cultural legacy.

STM has accumulated extensive experience in NATO-standard platform development through 44 maritime projects conducted across 11 different shipyards. This expertise is being transferred to the Portuguese project, ensuring the quality of engineering and design work. The vessels being constructed at ADA Shipyard in Istanbul exemplify Turkey's competence in military naval systems engineering. The modular design approach enables the ships to be adapted for different missions and enhances operational flexibility.

The vessels will feature a length of 137 meters, a displacement of 11,000 tons, and a maximum speed exceeding 18 knots. Designed with multi-mission capabilities including logistics support, at-sea refueling and cargo transfer, transport of up to 20 light tactical armored vehicles, and amphibious operation support, these platforms will also be capable of conducting humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, and medical support missions during crises. Equipped with integrated communication systems, the ships will provide enhanced command and control capabilities.

Regarding air defense systems, the vessels will be equipped with close-in air defense systems, 12.7-millimeter remotely operated weapons, and decoy systems. Additionally, each platform will feature a flight deck and hangar for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With accommodation capacity for 100 operational personnel plus 100 additional personnel, these ships will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Portuguese Navy.