Schottel Secures Propeller Contract For Portuguese Navy’s Drone Mothership

German firm Schottel will supply the propellers and thrusters for the future NRP Dom João II, the Portuguese Navy’s “drone mothership.”

The vessel, officially dubbed a Multi-Purpose Support Ship, will be capable of transporting and launching Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

For its main propulsion, Schottel will supply two low-noise electrically powered EcoPeller type SRE 560 azimuth thrusters, each boasting a power output of 2,600 kW. The ship, which will be capable of sailing at a speed of more than 15 knots, will also be fitted with an 800kW transverse thruster.

The design of the 107m vessel includes a 94m long, 11m wide flight deck for UAVs and a stern ramp for USVs and UUVs. She will also be equipped with laboratories and accommodation for scientific staff to fulfil her anticipated role in oceanic research and monitoring.

She is currently being built by Damen Shipyards Group in Galați, Romania, and is scheduled for delivery to the Portuguese Navy in 2026.

When the keel of the ship was laid in October 2024, then head of the Portuguese Navy Admiral Gouveia e Melo said: “This is a ship with a revolutionary concept that was conceived by the Portuguese Navy. It is a multi-domain ship, specifically in the air, surface, and subsurface components.

“It can carry out numerous and varied missions, such as scientific research and experimentation related to drones and robotics, as well as support in emergency and disaster situations.

“It represents a significant advantage in construction, operation, and maintenance costs, with an open modular architecture that allows for quick adaptation according to the missions and tasks assigned to it.”

• You can read more details on the Schottel website and the Damen website