The Navy has, for the first time, released video and images of Perseus’ operations. The general support ship has been nearly two years since joining the fleet and features state-of-the-art technology.

The official joining and naming ceremony of Persea took place in June 2024 at the Salamis Naval Station. The ship was donated to the Navy by the President of the “Aikaterini Laskaridis” Foundation, shipowner and retired Rear Admiral Panagiotis Laskaridis.

Parascarlisakis, the President of the Republic of Latvia.
The 105-metre-long ship was radically refurbished in 2007 at a cost of 50 million US dollars.

Watch the video of Perseus’ operations

Perseus’ features

It has a hybrid propulsion system, electropower with a minimal acoustic signature that allows it to sail without being detected, 11MW of supersonic electrical power (capable of powering a medium-sized island), maximum speed of 17 knots, ability to carry and deliver F-76 fuel on board about 3.000 cubic meters, a helipad to which all helicopters of the Hellenic Armed Forces can be attached and is also fully equipped for seismic and geophysical research missions.

It also has two very large covered decks and a sloping stern from which fast vessels can be lowered and lifted, as well as three very powerful cranes with a capacity of 10 tons in 10-meter outriggers.

The vessel is suitable for use on a range of important war and peace missions. The ship can carry large numbers of military personnel and heavy equipment on its protected and covered decks, and the equipment can be removed and recovered in a minimum of time.

It is noted that with the first successful series of missions of the Perseus, there were also the first offshore trials of the frigate Kimon in France, and coincided with the launching of the third FDI frigate Belharra Formia.

Perseus’ role as a general support ship had been highlighted at her handover ceremony by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, saying: “The role of Perseus is crucial for the operational design and operational capability of the Fleet.

Greece, we all know, has the largest merchant fleet on the planet, and our flag on our ships sails on all seas. However, there is no strong Merchant Navy without the support of a Navy with capabilities to operate beyond the horizon. And the Navy cannot operate beyond the horizon without support ships capable of standing alongside in this effort. That is the great role and contribution of Perseus.”