Hellenic Navy commissions general-support ship for special operations

Perseas (A 377), a former seismic vessel that was converted into a multi-purpose naval vessel, was commissioned into service by the Hellenic Navy on 11 June. (Dimitrios Mitsopoulos)

The Hellenic Navy (HN) commissioned its first general-support ship for special operations, Perseas (ex- VikingVision ), during a ceremony held at Salamis Naval Base on 11 June.

The ship – a former seismic vessel converted into a multi-purpose naval vessel – was donated to the HN by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation.

Following the training ship Kyknos (a former yacht) and the general-support ships Atlas , Heracles, and Aias (all three former platform supply vessels), this is the fifth and largest ship donation to the HN by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation.

The 105 m long ship has a gross tonnage of 9,811 tonnes and a deadweight tonnage of about 5,539 tonnes. It was built in Spain in 1993, but underwent a USD50 million conversion into a research ship in 2007.

Perseas features numerous significant technological innovations that will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of the Greek naval fleet.

It carries a crew complement of around 18, and has 44 sleeping cabins providing 70 beds, which can be expanded to accommodate up to 200 individuals in fully air-conditioned cabins and areas.

As a former seismographic research ship, it is equipped with numerous facilities designed to support personnel during extended operations lasting several months, enabling it to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts when required.

Perseas