The Galicia class are two landing platform dock (LPD) ships in service with the Spanish Navy. Built by Navantia at Ferrol, their mission is to carry out amphibious warfare by transporting the bulk of the Infantería de Marina. These ships have both a large helicopter flight deck and a well deck for large landing craft, as well as a space for up to 33 main battle tanks.

was commissioned in 1998 and in 2000. Galicia and Castilla are based at the Rota naval base in Spain.

The class is the result of a joint project between Spain and the Netherlands for developing a common class of LPD that would fulfill the needs of both countries to replace older ships. This process produced the Enforcer design, which forms the basis of the Galicia class as well as the similar Royal Netherlands Navy and British Royal Fleet Auxiliary .

Design and description

The project began in the Netherlands in 1990, as that country sought a solution to their LPD requirements. Spain joined the project in July 1991, and the definition stage was completed by December 1993. The Galicia class spawned from the joint Enforcer design with Spain's lead ship being authorised on 29 July 1994. The LPDs were designed to transport a battalion of marines and disembark them offshore and general logistic support. Vessels of the class have a full load displacement of . The vessels measure long overall and between perpendiculars with a beam of and a draught of .

The LPDs are powered by four Bazan/Caterpillar 3612 diesel engines in two sets initially creating though this was later increased to , and an electric generator tied to reduction gear.

See also

Equivalent amphibious warfare ships of the same era

Notes

Citations

References

  • Naval-technology.com