Spain’s new BAM-IS underwater intervention vessel has reached another major construction milestone as work continues at a steady pace.
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia recently lowered the ship’s massive macrostructure 300 into dry dock at its Puerto Real facility. The 597-ton structure is made up of three large blocks and forms a key part of the vessel’s operational section.
Navantia BAM-IS Moves Closer to Launch
The BAM-IS is being built for the Spanish Navy to support submarine rescue missions, deep-sea operations, and military diving activities.
The project is also closely tied to the deployment and long-term support needs of Spain’s S-80 submarine fleet.
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The newly installed section includes key systems that will support the ship’s underwater missions. It houses the Voith cycloidal thrusters, which improve maneuverability during precision operations at sea.
The section also contains the pedestal for a heavy-lift crane, a hyperbaric chamber, and the main working deck for underwater equipment.
Company officials said the program continues to move forward on schedule with support from Navantia’s workforce and partner companies.
Alberto Cervantes, the company’s business director for corvettes and maritime action vessels, highlighted the steady progress of the project. Only three more blocks remain before the vessel is structurally complete and ready for launch.
The BAM-IS vessel is being developed as the future replacement for the Spanish Navy’s rescue ship Neptuno. It will serve as the Navy’s primary platform for submarine rescue, salvage, and diving operations. The ship was ordered through Spain’s Directorate General of Armament and Material as part of broader naval modernization efforts.
The project became more important after the arrival of Spain’s new S-80 submarines. These submarines require dedicated rescue and support systems to protect crews during operations and training. The BAM-IS will help ensure rapid emergency response capability during submarine missions.
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The vessel will also support NATO and allied maritime operations. It is set to become the Spanish Navy’s first MOSHIP-certified mother ship for the NATO Submarine Rescue System and the US Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System. This certification allows the ship to support international submarine rescue missions during emergencies.
Deep-Sea Rescue and Underwater Operations
The BAM-IS is designed for complex underwater missions at depths of up to 3,000 meters. It will carry a rescue mini-submarine and remotely operated vehicles used for underwater inspections and recovery work. These robotic systems can perform tasks in areas too dangerous or inaccessible for divers.
The vessel will support deep diving operations using mixed breathing gases for extended underwater work. It will also conduct underwater repairs, recover submerged objects, and assist in locating wreckage or missing equipment. The ship’s onboard hyperbaric chamber will provide treatment for divers suffering from pressure-related injuries.
Spain’s Navy also plans to use the ship for training and maritime security missions. The BAM-IS will support military diving schools, underwater obstacle clearance, and the protection of underwater archaeological sites. The vessel is expected to strengthen Spain’s naval rescue capabilities and expand its role in allied maritime operations.
