Breaking News
Spanish Navy’s New Logistic Ship Deployed for First Time to Boost NATO Logistics in Conflict Zones.
On June 10, 2025, Spain’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the successful first deployment of the logistics transport vessel El Camino Español, marking its inaugural operational mission abroad. The ship returned to Cádiz after supporting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). As reported by the Ministry, it delivered military cargo and humanitarian aid from Almería to Beirut. This milestone demonstrates Spain’s rising strategic role in NATO logistics. The deployment validates Madrid’s investment in maritime mobility. It also highlights new capabilities for supplying forces in complex operational theaters.
The El Camino Español's first international deployment under Operation Libre Hidalgo involved delivering containerized military material and a range of wheeled assets to the Spanish contingent stationed in Lebanon. (Picture source: Spanish MoD)
The El Camino Español, a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) logistics transport ship operated by the Spanish Navy, was officially commissioned in January 2024 to replace its predecessor, which had fulfilled similar missions for two decades. Originally built in 1998 at the Fosen shipyard in Rissa, Norway, the vessel was later adapted and integrated into the Spanish fleet under a modernization initiative led by Navantia. With a top speed of 22 knots, a crew of 52 naval personnel, and a transport capacity of over 1,700 linear meters for vehicles and up to 300 standard containers distributed across three decks, the ship is optimized for flexible support of extra-peninsular Army units and operational contingents.
Its first international deployment under Operation Libre Hidalgo involved delivering containerized military material and a range of wheeled assets to the Spanish contingent stationed in Lebanon. The port of Beirut received the shipment without incident, demonstrating the vessel’s compatibility with civilian harbor infrastructure. Additionally, the mission included the transportation of humanitarian aid donated by Spanish civil society, underscoring the vessel’s dual-role capability in supporting both military and humanitarian operations. While in Beirut, the ship hosted official diplomatic engagements and participated in Armed Forces Day commemorations at the Spanish Embassy, strengthening defense diplomacy alongside operational objectives.
Beyond its core mission, El Camino Español conducted secondary activities under NATO’s maritime security framework, taking part in Operation Sea Guardian and contributing to onboard training exercises. These activities not only enhanced crew readiness but also validated the ship’s multi-mission profile. In comparison to other NATO logistics platforms, such as France’s BSAM, Italy’s Etna-class, or Germany’s Berlin-class, Spain’s El Camino Español stands out for its versatile configuration and cost-effective procurement. Its successful integration into naval operations through a refurbished commercial platform, rather than a newly built military design, reflects a pragmatic approach to capability generation amid fiscal constraints.
The acquisition and commissioning of El Camino Español were completed under a 2023 logistics modernization program, with the defense contract awarded to Navantia for adaptation and operational integration. This decision reflects the Ministry’s prioritization of strategic mobility and inter-service coordination. By centralizing operational control under the Spanish Navy while supporting Army missions, the program enhances joint logistics and strategic reach.
The vessel’s performance in its inaugural mission, including its safe return from a conflict zone, confirms its operational maturity and reliability. Spain’s capacity to autonomously project and sustain deployed forces has taken a decisive step forward. As the security environment in the Mediterranean and surrounding regions remains dynamic, platforms like El Camino Español are becoming indispensable assets. They reinforce NATO’s logistical backbone while offering Spain an expanded role in regional and global operations. With its proven performance, this vessel strengthens not only national readiness but also the collective capacity of allied forces to respond rapidly and effectively to evolving operational demands.