In 2029, the Lithuanian Naval Forces will be reinforced by a new multi-purpose vessel

The Lithuanian Naval Forces will be reinforced by a new multi-purpose vessel designed to respond to pollution incidents, search for and rescue people, and extinguish fires at sea. On October 29, a document marking the conclusion of the ship procurement contract was signed at the Ministry of National Defense.

Under the European Union’s 2021–2027 investment program, 40 million euros have been allocated to the project from the European Regional Development Fund. Lithuania will contribute an additional 9.5 million euros. The vessel will be built by the Dutch company Damen Workboats B.V., with construction scheduled to be completed by the end of summer 2029. Search and rescue operations on the new vessel will be facilitated by a thermal imaging and electro-optical surveillance system, which helps detect people and objects in conditions of poor visibility. The vessel will also be equipped with a medical facility where first aid can be provided to casualties until they are transferred to medical personnel onshore.

Another important function of the vessel is firefighting at sea and within the Klaipėda Port water area. Specialized equipment will enable a more rapid response to such incidents, which is particularly relevant given the increasing intensity of shipping traffic in the Baltic Sea and the port. The vessel’s versatility will be enhanced by the ability to transport additional specialized equipment in containers. A helicopter landing pad installed on the deck will facilitate medical evacuations, the transport of specialists, and the delivery of necessary equipment to the scene of an incident.

Search and rescue capabilities will be equally important. The ship will be able to reach speeds of up to 23 knots, while its two high-speed boats will reach speeds of nearly 40 knots.

The Ministry of National Defense