On November 7 Freire Shipyard celebrated the keel-laying of the new diving support vessel (NB 739) for the Spanish Navy’ in Vigo.
“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 optimization and reducing emissions.
The Diver Support Vessel (EAB) will be a specialized platform designed to assist the Navy’s Diving School (EMB) 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.
The incorporation of the EAB will enable the Navy’s Diving School (EMB) to carry out its duties more effectively, helping the Spanish Navy to maintain its leading position as a national and international reference in diving training.
