The Hellenic Navy (HN) has officially commissioned its first general-support ship dedicated to special operations, Perseas (formerly known as VikingVision), in a ceremony at Salamis Naval Base on 11 June. Originally a seismic vessel, Perseas was donated to the HN by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation and converted into a multi-purpose naval vessel. This marks the fifth and largest ship donation from the foundation to the HN, following the training ship Kyknos (a former yacht) and the general-support ships Atlas, Heracles, and Aias (all former platform supply vessels).
The commissioning ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including the Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikos Dendias, members of the Parliament, the Chief of the General Defense Forces General Dimitrios Houpis, and the Chief of the GEN Vice-Admiral Dimitrios – Eleftherios Kataras PN, among others. Local dignitaries such as the Mayor of Salamina, Mr. George Panagopoulos, and the Metropolitan of Megara and Salamina, Konstantinos, also graced the event alongside military and civilian personnel, members of the Supreme Naval Council, and other guests.
Built in Spain in 1993 and converted into a research ship in 2007 at a cost of USD50 million, the 105-meter long Perseas boasts a gross tonnage of 9,811 tonnes and a deadweight tonnage of about 5,539 tonnes. The ship is equipped with numerous advanced technological innovations, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the Greek naval fleet. Perseas is designed to carry a crew complement of around 18, with 44 sleeping cabins providing 70 beds. The accommodation can be expanded to house up to 200 individuals in fully air-conditioned cabins and areas, making it well-suited for extended missions.
As a former seismographic research vessel, Perseas is outfitted with facilities that support personnel during prolonged operations, which could span several months. This capability allows it to serve not only in special operations but also in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts when required. The addition of Perseas is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Hellenic Navy, marking a substantial upgrade in its fleet’s support and special operations capacity.
