Defence Redefined

Published on 06/07/2020 at 10:19

In the presence of the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and the political and military leadership of the Ministry of National Defence, the naming and joining ceremony of the General Support Vessel “HERCULES” to the Hellenic Navy took place on, Monday, July 6.

The ship is the second donation to the Navy by the Panagiotis Laskaridis family, after the “Atlas I”, which was delivered to the Hellenic Navy in December 2019.

Vessel “HERCULES” is larger than “ATLAS I” and is going to significantly upgrade the operational capabilities and support of the Navy’s missions.

Also read: Donation of a second General Supply Ship to the Hellenic Navy by the Laskaridis family

According to a report by journalist Costas Alatzas, on OnAlert, the ship was tested by the Hellenic Navy and there was complete satisfaction with its capabilities.

“HERCULES” was built in 2002, she is 85 meters long with a displacement of 4,500 tons. The vessel has DP2 capabilities, i.e. stabilization in any weather conditions and can undertake a mission such as submarine rescue. She has two 9,600 horsepower propulsion engines, 2 axial generators, 4 transverse propellers, (2 fore and 2 aft) in addition to 2 main propellers. Also, with a top speed of 15 knots, she has a large carrying capacity of over 2,600 tons on her open deck.

“HERCULES” can carry heavy tanks and combat and support vehicles, cranes, heavy construction and containers with configuration and capabilities depending on the needs of each mission.

With the acquisition of “HERCULES”, the Navy has in its ranks a total of five ships of General Support.

Also read: Support to the Greek Army and Security Forces | The donations of the last few months

A representative of the family stated: “In the current difficult conditions that our Homeland is going through, any possible strengthening of the defence capability of our Armed Forces is simply an obligation of all Greeks.”

The Chief of the Navy and the military leadership expressed their satisfaction with the reinforcement of the Navy with another combat unit that will join the fleet soon.