NRP D. João II, also known as the Multifunctional Naval Platform, will be a multipurpose ship for the Portuguese Navy, capable of carrying out surveillance operations, oceanographic research, environmental and meteorological monitoring, as well as emergency evacuation missions.^[3] It is funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) that is part of Next Generation EU.^[4][5]

The contract for the construction of this ship was signed on 24 November 2023 with Damen Group. Construction will be carried out at the Damen shipyard in Galați, Romania^[6] and the ship is expected to enter active service in the second half of 2026.^[7] The keel laying ceremony took place on 3 October 2024.^[8][9][10] In October 2024 it was reported that Alewijnse had been contracted to complete the electrical installation of the ship.^[11] In January 2025 it was reported that Schottel will supply two EcoPeller SRE 560 and one TransverseThruster STT 3 FP for the NRP D. João II.^[12]

The design of the Multifunctional Naval Platform (PNM) was made by Damen based on the requirements laid down by the Portuguese Navy.^[13] The ship will have a total length of 107.6 metres (353 ft 0 in), and will function as an aerial, land and underwater drone carrier, increasing its ocean research and monitoring capacity.^[14] To perform marine ecology monitoring and oceanic research and surveillance, the ship will be equipped with laboratories and have accommodation for scientific personnel.^[15][16] When it comes to naval support the ship will have a 94-by-11-metre (308 ft × 36 ft) flight deck and hangars that can host unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters.^[17][18] Furthermore, the PNM has a stern ramp for unmanned underwater vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles.^[13]

• 94 metre runway for unmanned aerial vehicle;
• Deck for landing heavy helicopter such as the Portuguese Air Force AgustaWestland AW101s;
• 1 hangar capable of holding a helicopter;
• 1 hangar/workshop for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones);
• Catapult for launching drones;
• Capacity for 18 military light utility vehicles / 18 containers or 10 speedboats;
• Lower hangar with cranes and rails for handling containers;
• Capacity to transport 4 speedboats;
• Side door for vehicle entry;
• Crane with a capacity of 30 tonnes;
• Ramp for disembarking boats;
• Side hangar for operating a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) with a cargo lift;
• Area to receive 100 people/military personnel with accommodation and toilets;
• Capacity for 42 scientists;
• In an emergency situation, it can accommodate a further 200 people in the lower hangar;
• Laboratories;
• A Role 2 NATO hospital;
• Accommodations for its garrison.

• List of active Portuguese Navy ships