MTG Dolphin has successfully launched the second of two Hrabri-class Multi-Purpose Modular Patrol Vessels (MMPVs) under construction for the Bulgarian Navy. The vessel, named Smeli (pennant number 11), was launched on 12 December at the company’s shipyard in Varna, Bulgaria, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed. This marks a significant milestone in the modernization of the Bulgarian Navy, with MTG Dolphin executing the project under a 2020 contract valued at BGN 820 million (approximately USD 456.6 million at the time). The contract was awarded to the German prime contractor NVL Group, previously known as Lürssen Defence. Construction of Smeli commenced with the first steel being cut in December 2022, followed by the keel laying in June 2023. The vessel’s launch, initially planned for April 2025, was completed ahead of schedule by approximately four months. The second vessel is expected to be delivered to the Bulgarian Navy in 2026, aligning with current project timelines. Meanwhile, the first vessel in the class, Hrabri (pennant number 12), continues its outfitting and preparation for harbor acceptance trials.
The Hrabri-class vessels are based on NVL Group’s OPV 90 (Offshore Patrol Vessel) design, offering versatile capabilities for both defense and maritime security roles. The vessels feature a steel monohull design with a full-load displacement of approximately 2,300 tons. Measuring 90 meters in length, the ships can achieve a top speed of 24 knots, making them well-suited for a variety of missions, including anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrol. The Bulgarian Navy has already signed contracts for the procurement of advanced weaponry for the vessels. These include anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft guided missiles, and homing torpedoes. Additionally, efforts are underway to secure encryption devices for communications through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
The Hrabri-class vessels are being constructed in accordance with international standards for warship design and construction. Classification society DNV GL is overseeing the project, ensuring the ships will meet the “Frigate” class notation upon completion. The Bulgarian Navy has been closely involved in the project, conducting weekly site visits and holding regular meetings with NVL Group to monitor progress and address any emerging issues. Crew training is also a key component of the contract. This includes specialized training for the operation and maintenance of the ships, which is being conducted both in Bulgaria and abroad at NVL Group facilities. In late 2024, Bulgarian Navy personnel participated in courses on torpedo systems in Livorno, Italy. Additional training is ongoing at the Varna naval base, and further courses on combat systems and weapons integration are planned in Sweden and Italy in early 2025.
Found in 1991 with main activity “ship repair of vessels”, MTG DOLPHIN Plc repairs between 40 and 53 vessels each year. In last 3 years 145 vessels have gone through different kinds of repair works. Production and resource capacity of the yard contributes to building of vessels of up to 16 000 tons, as well as repairs of vessels of up to 60 000 tons, using two floating docks with carrying capacity of 18 000 and 8 500 tons; 70 cranes with lifting capacity of 250kg to 80tons; 4 pier spaces, a line for preliminary preparation of steel plates and steel profiles, workshops and platforms. A team of over 550 professionals with considerable experience in the industry, working hard for delivering quality shipbuilding, repair and docking service to customers from all over the world.
