Spanish Navy's New Diver Support Vessel Keel Laid at Freire Shipyard in Vigo

Keel-Laying Ceremony Marks Milestone for Spanish Navy and Freire Shipyard

The Freire Shipyard in Vigo, Spain, hosted the keel-laying ceremony on November 7, 2025, for the Spanish Navy's new Diver Support Vessel, designated as project NC 739. This event signifies a crucial step in the construction of a vessel designed to significantly bolster the Navy's underwater intervention capabilities. The ceremony marks the beginning of Freire Shipyard's collaboration with the Spanish Navy, a project that will strengthen its operational and underwater capacities.

Rear Admiral Francisco Antón Brage, Deputy Director of Engineering at the Logistics Support Headquarters (JAL), highlighted the importance of the project, stating, '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.' Marcos and Guillermo Freire, General Managers of the shipyard, expressed their honor, noting, 'It is a privilege to support the institution in building this Diver Support Vessel, which will enhance its autonomy, efficiency and operational capabilities.'

Advanced Capabilities for Underwater Operations and Training

The new Diver Support Vessel (also referred to as EAB, Embarcación de Apoyo al Buceo) is specifically designed to serve the Military Diving School (EMB), playing a key role in the training activities of all diving disciplines. Its incorporation will enable the EMB to operate with greater autonomy and efficiency, reinforcing the Spanish Navy's position as a national and international reference in diving expertise.

The vessel will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to facilitate complex underwater tasks, including:

• A side-scan sonar for detailed seabed mapping
• An autonomous vehicle (AV) and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of exploring depths of up to 900 meters
• A DP-2 dynamic positioning system for precise station-keeping
• A hyperbaric chamber and a wet bell to support deep diving operations and underwater interventions up to 90 meters

Technical Specifications and Environmental Design

The vessel will feature a length of 31.7 meters and a beam of 9 meters, with an operational range of 500 nautical miles. Its design will accommodate up to 30 crew members, optimizing space and resource utilization onboard. Emphasizing environmental responsibility, the unit will incorporate eco-friendly technologies to optimize fuel consumption and reduce pollutant emissions.

Strategic Acquisition and Delivery Timeline

This acquisition is part of the Spanish Navy's ongoing initiative to modernize and replace its auxiliary fleet, enhancing its underwater operational capabilities. The contract, valued at nearly 18 million euros (excluding VAT), represents Freire Shipyard's first direct agreement with the Spanish Navy. The delivery of the Diver Support Vessel is scheduled for November 2026. This new vessel will also help ease the operational burden on older, larger units like the BSR 'Neptuno' and the upcoming BAM-IS, allowing them to focus on other high-priority missions.