Freire Shipyard marked a key construction milestone with the keel-laying of the new Diving Support Vessel (DSV), project number NB 739, being built for the Spanish Navy. The ceremony took place on 7th November 2025 at the shipyard’s facilities in Vigo, Spain.
“The design and construction of the Diver Support Vessel by Freire Shipyard represents an excellent opportunity to strengthen collaboration with private shipyards and to reaffirm the Spanish Navy’s commitment to developing a strong national industrial and technological base. To date, we are very satisfied with the results achieved and with the way in which the shipyard has adapted to the specific requirements and standards of the Navy,” said Rear Admiral Francisco Antón Brage, Deputy Director of Engineering at the Jefatura de Apoyo Logístico (Logistics Support Headquarters, JAL) and the Dirección de Ingeniería y Construcciones Navales (Directorate of Naval Engineering and Construction, DIC).
“The keel-laying of NB 739 represents a milestone for Freire Shipyard and the beggining of our collaboration with the Spanish Navy, which we hope to extend through future projects. It is a privilege to support the institution in the construction of this diving support vessel, which will enhance its autonomy, efficiency, and operational capabilities,” said Marcos and Guillermo Freire, general managers of the shipyard.
The vessel, measuring 32.90 metres length and 9 metres beam, with a range of 500 nautical miles and accommodation for 15 crew members, will incorporate eco-friendly technologies aimed for fuel consumption optimisation and reducing emissions.
The Diver Support Vessel will be a specialised platform designed to assist the Navy’s Diving School in the training of all diving disciplines. To this end, the new unit will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems such as DP-2 dynamic positioning, a hyperbaric chamber and a wet bell, enabling it to carry out deep diving operations and underwater interventions at depths of up to 90 metres.
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.
