Today, 22 June 2023, almost one year after the keel-laying ceremony of the first multipurpose modular patrol vessel (MMPV) for the Bulgarian Navy, the keel-laying of the second vessel took place at MTG Dolphin Shipyard. The traditional ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defense, the Chief of Defense, other officials and the Navy.

Following the tradition, during the keel-laying ceremony, a brass plate with four coins was affixed onto a wooden block, each coin symbolizing one of the parties involved in the project – the Bulgarian Navy, NVL Group, MTG Dolphin and one in commemoration to the event. This was then placed beneath the keel block, which was lowered to meet the plate in a celebratory process. This centuries-old custom is said to bring good luck to both the ship and the crew.

The vessels, based on the proven NVL design, are being built in Bulgaria by MTG Dolphin, acting as subcontractor to prime contractor of the project – NVL Group. When completed, they will be 90 meters long, with a displacement of 2’300 tons, and will feature a wide variety of naval capabilities, supported by integrated CMS.