# Damen secures Lithuanian Navy contract for maritime emergency response vessel

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/damen-secures-lithuanian-navy-contract-for-maritime-emergency-response-vessel/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-10-31T19:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-30T09:49:19+00:00
- **Section:** General
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Baltic Sea, Damen Shipyards, Damen Workboats, Klaipėda, Lithuania, Lithuanian Navy, Marine Pollution, Maritime Safety, Naval Vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels, OPV 6711, Search and Rescue, Shipbuilding

Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract to build a multipurpose pollution response and search and rescue vessel for the Lithuanian Navy, strengthening the country’s emergency response capabilities in the Baltic Sea.

The agreement was signed in Vilnius on 29 October 2026, following a public procurement process organised by Lithuania’s Environmental Projects Management Agency under the Ministry of Environment. The vessel will be based on Damen’s 67.3-metre OPV 6711 design and will replace the Lithuanian Navy’s existing rescue vessel Šakiai, which has been in service since 1987.

According to the Lithuanian authorities, approximately €40 million has been allocated to the project by the European Union, with Lithuania contributing a further €9.5 million. Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of summer 2029.

The new vessel will combine pollution incident response, maritime firefighting, search and rescue, and other maritime security functions in a single platform. It is intended to support operations in the Baltic Sea and around the Port of Klaipėda, including emergencies that could affect maritime traffic and port operations.

![Damen secures Lithuanian Navy contract for maritime emergency response vessel](https://pelavox.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Signing-Ceremony-1024x633.webp)

### Pollution response and rescue capabilities

The vessel will feature a FiFi 1 firefighting system, DP1 dynamic positioning and equipment for responding to marine pollution incidents. Lithuanian authorities have also identified two independent pollution recovery systems and specialised detection radar among its planned equipment.

Search and rescue operations will be supported by two davit-launched boats and onboard accommodation for up to 50 survivors. A dedicated medical facility will provide treatment during emergency operations.

A large working deck will accommodate up to six 20-foot containers, each weighing up to 15 tonnes, supported by a crane and container transfer system. This arrangement will allow the vessel to carry different types of equipment depending on the mission.

The helicopter deck will be capable of accommodating aircraft up to the size of a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, supporting medical evacuation and the transfer of personnel and supplies. The vessel will also have an aft platform designed for emergency towing operations.

### Modular design for Baltic Sea operations

The OPV 6711 has a maximum speed of 23 knots and, according to Damen’s project announcement, a range of 8,000 nautical miles. Its Sea Axe bow and ice-class 1D hull are intended to support operations in challenging Baltic Sea conditions.

Beyond its primary emergency response role, the vessel’s modular design will allow the Lithuanian Navy to deploy containerised mission equipment for activities such as hydrographic surveys, diving support, mine countermeasures, unmanned systems and humanitarian assistance.

According to Lithuania’s Environmental Projects Management Agency, the new vessel will be substantially faster than the Šakiai, which has a reported maximum speed of approximately 10 knots. The increased speed is expected to reduce response times during emergencies within Lithuania’s maritime areas.

The project forms part of efforts to strengthen Lithuania’s ability to respond to maritime accidents, pollution incidents and other emergencies in the Baltic Sea, while providing additional operational flexibility for its naval forces.

---
Cite as: "Damen secures Lithuanian Navy contract for maritime emergency response vessel", pelavox., 31 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/damen-secures-lithuanian-navy-contract-for-maritime-emergency-response-vessel/