The keel laying ceremony for the Portuguese Navy’s first of two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment and Logistics Support Ships (AOR+) was held at Ada Shipyard.
Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries Haluk Görgün announced that the keel laying ceremony of the Portuguese Navy’s first Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment and Logistics Support Ship, NRP Luis de Camoes (A5211), was held at Ada Shipyard with the attendance of the Portuguese and Turkish MoD.
The steel-cutting ceremony for the first ship out of the two to be built was held in mid-November 2025, and the keel laying took place within the timeframe that STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz previously stated.
Both AOR+ ships are planned to be delivered to the Portuguese Navy by 2028.
While the roles for a modern logistics support ship are not hard to guess, the AOR+ ships of the Portuguese Navy can be described as a cross-over with an LPD in terms of capabilities.
In addition to logistical support equipment, the ships can take part in amphibious operations with an integrated command-control system, stern ramp, and a vehicle bay with a capacity for up to 20 armoured vehicles.
The ships, in accordance with the multi-role philosophy, can carry 100 crew members and 100 extras as personnel.
AOR+ is among the examples reflecting the Portuguese Navy’s recent approach to adopt multi-role platforms that can be used for both low-intensity missions and force projection upon need.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
