Germany-based NVL Group, formerly Lürssen Defence, and its Bulgarian shipyard partner MTG Dolphin, have started construction of the first of two Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessels (MMPV) for the Bulgarian Navy in a ceremony in Varna, Bulgaria.
Both vessels are being built at MTG Dolphin in Varna under the management of NVL Group and with the involvement of a number of Bulgarian suppliers.
“We are very happy to attend the ceremony of launching construction of the first of two Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessels (MMPV). These ships will enable the Bulgarian Navy to fulfil all tasks for defending national maritime interests and will give us the opportunity to fully participate in NATO and EU operations and missions,” Bulgarian Navy commander, Rear Admiral Mihaylov said.
The vessels are around 90 meters long, displace around 2,300 tons, and are based on a design from the NVL portfolio. They will feature an integrated combat management system delivered by Swedish company Saab.
The units are predestined for tasks within the framework of international alliance missions of NATO and the EU and enable the Bulgarian Navy to counter air- and land-based threats as well as surface and undersea threats.
The MMPV project, with a total volume of around 420 million euros, is currently the largest newbuild project of the Bulgarian Navy. According to NVL Group, delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, and the second vessel a year later.
