Spanish Navy vessels visit Helsinki

Finland is honored to receive international allies for a port visit at the end of the month. Spanish Navy’s guided missile frigate Blas de Lezo and landing helicopter dock Juan Carlos I will moor at Hernesaari port in Helsinki Jun 24 2024. The vessels will not be open to the public.

Blas de Lezo is 146,7 meters long and 18,6 meters wide Álvaro de Bazán class frigate that is specialized in air defence. It can house a crew complement of 250. In turn, Juan Carlos I, the largest ship in the Spanish Navy, is 230,8 meters long and 32 meters wide. It is a multipurpose vessel that can be used as an aircraft carrier as well as for amphibious and relief operations. The vessel can accommodate a crew of around 900 persons.

The visit is a routine visit. The vessels operate at the moment in the vicinity of Finland, which is why they come to Finland for maintenance and replenishment. Port visit also strengthens the cooperation between the countries. During the visit the vessels will exercise with the Finnish Navy.

The visit will be hosted by the Commander of the Coastal Fleet, Captain (Navy) Patrik Lillqvist. The hosting squadron will be 6th Surface Warfare Squadron of the Coastal Fleet.