The Spanish shipyard C.N.P. FREIRE, S.A. (FREIRE SHIPYARD) has signed its first contract with the Spanish Navy’s Logistics Support Command for the construction of a new Diver Support Vessel. The contract was awarded to the shipyard based in Vigo following a public tender in which other renowned national shipyards also participated. The delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.
The latest generation vessel, part of the process of modernization and replacement of auxiliary units of the Spanish Navy, aims to strengthen its underwater intervention capabilities. It will be destined for the Military Diving School (EMB), which will allow the Navy to reinforce its obligatory role as a reference in this field, both nationally and internationally.
“This project, which represents the first contract between our company and the Navy, reinforces our commitment to innovation and supports the strategic needs of this institution, consolidating our collaboration in key initiatives for maritime security and technology. It is an honour for Freire Shipyard to contribute to strengthening the country’s maritime capabilities,” highlight the General Directors of Freire Shipyard, Marcos Freire and Guillermo Freire.
The Diver Support Vessel will feature eco-friendly technologies that will optimise fuel consumption and reduce pollutant emissions. It will have a length of 31,7 meters and a beam of 9 meters, with a range of 500 nautical miles. Its design will accommodate up to 30 crew members, optimizing the use of space and resources on board.
Additionally, it will be equipped with advanced technology, such as a side-scan sonar, an autonomous vehicle (AV), and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of exploring depths of up to 900 meters, providing exceptional capabilities for carrying out complex underwater operations.
This new contract reinforces Freire Shipyard’s reputation in the construction of state-of-the-art vessels, backed by its extensive experience in building offshore support vessels, fishing boats, oceanographic ships, and research vessels. Among its notable projects are the RRS “Discovery” for the UK government organisation NERC, the BAP “Carrasco” for the Peruvian Navy, and the “Bélgica” for the Belgian Ministry of Defense, among others.
