Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
1 comment 
Portuguese Company Fundilusa Manufactures Propellers for the New Navy Ship Expected to Debut in 2026.
The naval industry in Portugal is gaining international recognition with Fundilusa – Portuguese Foundries Lda, based in Vila Nova de Cerveira, which is producing the propellers for the NRP D. João II, the newest ship of the Portuguese Navy, whose entry into operation is scheduled for 2026.
The project is part of the modernization plan for the Armed Forces and represents a strategic advancement in Portugal’s defense and maritime operational capabilities.
Successful Tests Mark a Critical Phase of Construction
On May 27th, the factory testing of the propellers was carried out, an essential step in the naval construction process.
-
China is designing a container ship with a thorium nuclear reactor that will operate for 40 years without refueling, and the 25,000-container giant from Jiangnan Shipyard will cross oceans without emitting carbon in an industry that burns 300 million tons of fuel per year.
-
An entire boat came out of the 3D printer without a mold and without seams: CEAD’s giant robot creates hulls up to 12 meters in a single piece, replacing months of shipyard work with code and putting shipbuilding on the brink of a turning point that seems like science fiction.
-
The “dock ship” that deliberately sinks to swallow superyachts like toys: Yacht Servant is 214 meters long, 46 meters wide, has a 6,380 m² deck, and uses float-on/float-off operation to transform maritime luxury into a semi-submersible parking lot.
-
The French titanium submarine that descends where the light disappears: Nautile carries three people to a depth of 6,000 meters, reaches 97% of the ocean floor, and has already investigated the Titanic, underwater volcanoes, and regions that remain inaccessible to most vessels on the planet.
The event was attended by representatives from Damen, the company responsible for the ship’s design, the General Director of Fundilusa, Pablo González, and Captain-Lieutenant Luís Matos Filipe from the Portuguese Navy’s Monitoring and Inspection Team.
The technical inspection of the propellers marks an important milestone in the production schedule and certifies the precision and quality of the components developed on national soil.
NRP D. João II Will Be a Multifunctional Ship with Cutting-Edge Technology
The new ship of the Navy, named NRP D. João II, is being developed with a focus on versatility and modernity, as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
The vessel integrates the strategic concept of the Atlantic Defense Operations Center and the Multifunctional Naval Platform, playing a fundamental role in the defense and management of waters under Portuguese jurisdiction.
With cutting-edge technology, the ship will have the capability to operate in maritime surveillance, scientific research, emergency and disaster support, as well as technological experimentation missions.
Resources and Capabilities of the New Ship
NRP D. João II will feature a robust and multi-faceted infrastructure. Key highlights include:
- Laboratories for scientific and oceanographic research
- Medical ward and onboard medical systems
- Equipment for handling cargo and vehicles
- Platform for operating helicopters, drones, and surface and underwater vessels
These resources will enable the ship to operate effectively on multiple fronts, reinforcing the Navy’s presence in the Atlantic and ensuring support for civil and military operations.
Strategic Contribution to Portugal’s Maritime Sovereignty
The incorporation of NRP D. João II into the naval force represents a significant operational leap for the Portuguese Navy, strengthening the country’s sovereignty and response capability in crisis, security, and research scenarios.
The collaboration between Fundilusa and Damen highlights the importance of the national industry in the construction of advanced naval assets.
With a debut scheduled for 2026, the ship promises to place Portugal at the forefront of international maritime operations.
Fundilusa: Portuguese Excellence in Naval Propulsion
Founded in 1989, Fundilusa is now a reference in the casting and machining of parts for maritime propulsion, specializing in propellers, blades, and other naval components.
The company employs around 200 professionals and is internationally recognized for the quality, reliability, and precision of its products, being a strategic partner of various shipyards and naval forces worldwide.
According to Fundilusa itself, its commitment to innovation and technical rigor is one of the pillars that enable its participation in high-complexity naval projects, such as that of NRP D. João II.
Parabéns à Fundilusa, têm uma grande responsabilidade.