NRP D. João II, also known as the Multifunctional Naval Platform, will be a multipurpose ship for the Portuguese Navy, capable of carrying out surveillance operations, oceanographic research, environmental and meteorological monitoring, as well as emergency evacuation missions.
The contract for the construction of this ship was signed on 24 November 2023 with Damen Group, construction will be carried out at the Damen shipyard in Galați, Romania[1] and the ship is expected to enter active service in the second half of 2026.[2]
The design of the Multifunctional Naval Platform (PNM) was made by Damen based on the requirements laid down by the Portuguese Navy.[3] The ship will have a total length of 107.6m (353feet), and will function as an aerial, land and underwater drone carrier, increasing its ocean research and monitoring capacity.[4] To perform marine ecology monitoring and oceanic research and surveillance, the ship will be equipped with laboratories and have accommodation for scientific personnel.[5] [6] When it comes to naval support the ship will have a 94mx11mm (308feetx36feetm) flight deck and hangars that can host unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters.[7] Furthermore, the PNM has a stern ramp for unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles.