Germany’s NVL Group, formerly Lürssen Defence, and its local shipyard partner MTG Dolphin, today joined representatives of the contracting authority to launch construction of the first of two Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessels (MMPV) for the Bulgarian Navy in Varna, Bulgaria. The highlight of the traditional steel cutting ceremony was the power-up of the plasma cutting system for the first steel cut. The vessels are based on the NVL Group’s OPV-90 model. Both vessels are being built at MTG Dolphin in Varna under the management of NVL Group and with the involvement of numerous Bulgarian suppliers. 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.
“With the start of steel cutting, we are entering the production phase as planned. The milestone reached
today is also an expression of the trusting relationship with our customer and the constructive cooperation
with our partner MTG Dolphin. To successfully launch ships of such complexity, efficient, trusting and
cooperative partnerships are essential. This applies to the cooperation with the shipyard as much as to that
with our numerous local and international suppliers,” explained Dirk Malgowski, Managing Director of NVL
B.V. & Co. KG.
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.”, Commander of the Bulgarian Navy, rear admiral Mihaylov was happy to report.
The vessels, which are around 90 meters long, with around 2,300 tons of displacement, are based on a proven design from the NVL portfolio, and feature an integrated Combat Management System. Armament includes a 76 mm gun, four anti-ship missiles, eight anti-aircraft missiles in vertical launcher cells, a 35 mm close-in weapon station, and lightweight torpedoes. The integrated combat system is to be provided by Saab. The MMPV project, with a total volume of around 420 million euros, is currently the largest newbuild project of the Bulgarian Navy. Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, and the second vessel a year later.
