Intervention Vessels
Global operational support at sea
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Advanced naval defence with versatile capabilities
Global operational support on the high seas
Effective coastal surveillance for demanding environments
STRATEGIC PROJECTION. AIR AND AMPHIBIOUS
Strategic sustainability through advanced logistics
Silent immersion with cutting-edge technologies
BAC Cantabria, the logistics pillar that multiplies the Navy’s autonomy
The Cantabria (A‑15) is one of the Spanish Navy’s most modern logistics ships, capable of replenishing other units with fuel, supplies and ammunition during extended operations. With its replenishment stations and helicopter capability, the Cantabria ensures fleet autonomy and strengthens Spain’s naval projection in national and international missions.
Navantia has built the BAC Cantabria for the Spanish Navy and two very similar units for Australia: Stalwart and Supply.
The main limitation faced by any naval vessel wishing to remain at sea for longer periods or reach more distant destinations is the need to be resupplied with everything required (fuel, provisions, personnel, ammunition, etc.) to continue its mission. Replenishment ships meet this need, as they can refuel up to three ships at once at sea with fuel, water, provisions, munitions and other materials.
In addition, their onboard hospital, container‑carrying capacity and large tank volume, among other features, enable these ships to carry out humanitarian and medical assistance missions for civilians in disaster situations and to support environmental protection. Their design integrates military and civilian concepts and complies with current international environmental regulations on double‑hull arrangements.
Cantabria Combat Supply Ship
It has greater capacity for liquids and solids replenishment (5 stations), a flight deck and hangar, and can also operate as a hospital ship and marine pollution response vessel. Its modern, Spanish‑made SCOMBA combat system facilitates integration into a Naval Force, while its 100% Spanish‑developed Integrated Platform Control System, with a high degree of automation, reduces the crew needed to operate the ship. This is a clean and eco‑friendly product (Green Ship) and meets all MARPOL‑SOLAS criteria set out in international conventions. Its construction was certified for the first time in a military naval programme by the classification society LLOYD’S REGISTER GROUP. Notable features include its double hull in the cargo tank area, a wastewater treatment plant, oil‑water separators and the equipment needed for waste treatment (shredder, compactor and incinerator).
In May 2005, the Council of Ministers authorised the contract for the construction of the BAC Cantabria. Two years later, the ship was laid down and on 21 July 2008 she was launched in Puerto Real. The Cantabria was delivered to the Navy on 29 July 2010 at the Rota Naval Base. In terms of size, she is the second‑largest ship in the Spanish Navy and the first in her class with a double hull in the fuel storage area, meeting all environmental regulations and merchant ship standards.
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