Spain’s Freire Shipyard has won a contract from Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to construct four naval support vessels engineered for operations in icy waters and harsh weather conditions, enhancing Sweden’s maritime logistics and rapid-response capabilities.
Each ship will be approximately 47 meters (154 feet) long, capable of reaching speeds of up to 12 knots (22 kilometers/14 miles per hour), and able to operate at sea for as long as 10 days. The vessels will carry a crew of 16 personnel.
The fleet will feature diesel-electric propulsion to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. According to Ocean News, the ships will incorporate four variable-speed generators and a direct-current power distribution system, ensuring adherence to stringent environmental regulations while optimizing onboard energy management.
For logistics operations, the vessels will be equipped with two main deck cranes and an auxiliary crane, enabling autonomous cargo handling. A stern ramp will allow vehicles and wheeled equipment to be driven directly aboard, improving operational flexibility.
Expanding Sweden’s Naval Strength
Stockholm continues to reinforce its naval capabilities through multiple procurement efforts.
Earlier this month, Naval Group entered into a partnership with Oresund Drydocks AB to establish domestic maintenance capacity for Sweden’s upcoming Defense and Intervention Frigates. The collaboration includes long-term maintenance services, technical knowledge transfer, and lifecycle support to sustain fleet readiness and strengthen Sweden’s defense industry. The first vessel delivery is scheduled for 2030.
In January, Teledyne Gavia, a subsidiary of Teledyne Marine, delivered the first four GAVIA autonomous underwater vehicles to Sweden. The modular systems can be rapidly reconfigured for missions such as mine countermeasures and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
