Kongsberg Maritime will supply fuelling at sea (FAS) and replenishment at sea (RAS) equipment for two Portuguese naval replenishment and logistic ships that will be designed and built by Turkish naval shipbuilder STM.

The Portuguese navy currently operates a single replenishment vessel, which will be replaced by the two new vessels.

 The new 137m AOR+ vessels will displace 11,000 tonnes, have a top speed of 18 knots, and be capable of operating at sea for 90 days. There will be accommodation for up to 100 personnel and space to transport up to 20 light tactical armoured vehicles. Each ship will have air defence capability and support helicopter and UAV operations.

 THE FIRST TIME
The contract between STM and the Portuguese navy marks the first time that STM will provide naval vessels to a European Union (EU) and NATO member state. This is the second collaboration between STM and Kongsberg Maritime.

 The FAS equipment provided by Kongsberg Maritime benefits from decades of experience and R&D. Kongsberg Maritime pioneered the development of electrically operated RAS/FAS equipment, which guarantees faster deployment times and ensures safer, better operations in cold climates.

 CEMENTS THE RELATIONSHIP
Chris Nelson, Naval Sales Director for Kongsberg Maritime, said: “We have worked with STM before, and this new contract cements our relationship with STM. Interest is rising among the world’s navies for effective RAS/FAS equipment, and our solutions are safe, efficient, and tested.”

 Electric Replenishment at Sea (RAS) System: Faster, Safer, Reliable

Kongsberg Maritime continues to innovate with its electric Replenishment at Sea (RAS) systems, designed to enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of naval operations.

RAS is a critical operation that extends the range and endurance of naval vessels, allowing them to stay at sea longer and perform their missions more effectively.

 Key Benefits of Electric RAS Systems:

• Enhanced Safety: Electric RAS systems eliminate the high-pressure risks associated with traditional hydraulic systems, reducing the potential for leaks and spills.
• Increased Reliability: Electric systems are more reliable in open deck marine environments, requiring less maintenance and reducing overall lifetime costs.
• Environmental Protection: The elimination of hydraulic oil reduces the risk of environmental contamination from spills.
• Rapid Deployment: Electric RAS systems can be deployed quickly, ensuring that resupply operations are efficient and timely.

 Kongsberg Maritime’s electric RAS systems represent a significant advancement in naval resupply operations, offering faster, safer, and more reliable solutions.

 As navies around the world continue to modernise and seek more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, Kongsberg’s electric RAS systems stand out as the optimal choice for the future of naval logistics.

 About Kongsberg Maritime

• Kongsberg Maritime is a global marine technology company providing innovative and reliable ‘Full Picture’ technology solutions for all marine industry sectors.
• Headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway, Kongsberg Maritime has manufacturing, sales, and service facilities in 34 countries.
• Kongsberg Maritime solutions cover all aspects of marine automation, safety, manoeuvring, navigation, and dynamic positioning as well as energy management, deck handling and propulsion systems, and ship design services.