Lithuania’s Ministry of Defence has officially launched a new Dutch-made support tugboat, the “Lokys,” into naval service during a ceremony held in Klaipėda. This multipurpose vessel, developed by Damen Naval, features a design based on the azimuth stern drive 3010 hull, tailored specifically for harbor and port operations.
The contract for the construction of the tugboat was awarded in August 2024, with a total value of 10.8 million euros, equivalent to approximately $12.1 million. The Lokys has been designated as “LNS H-24.”
Attendees at the ceremony included representatives from Lithuania’s defense agency, leadership from the navy, and the vessel’s sponsor. During the event, Vice Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa emphasized the strategic significance of the nation’s maritime capabilities. “The geographical positioning and importance for economic, as well as our national security interests, cannot be overstated,” he stated. “We must dedicate due attention and resources to the Lithuanian Navy.”
Highlighting the current security landscape, Aleksa mentioned that Lithuania perceives ongoing threats, underscoring the country’s commitment to developing its maritime capabilities. He noted that the new tugboat represents a vital addition to the nation’s fleet.
The Lokys measures 30 meters (98 feet) in length and has a displacement of over 300 tons (272,155 kilograms). It is equipped with modules designed for rescue missions, maritime resource protection, and firefighting operations. The tugboat operates with a crew of eight and can achieve a speed of up to 13 knots (approximately 24 kilometers or 15 miles per hour).
This inauguration of the Lokys comes on the heels of Lithuania’s recent move to enhance its naval fleet. In April, the country procured two multi-purpose attack craft from Finland aimed at maintaining peace along its coastlines and near the Russian border. Additionally, earlier this year, Vilnius unveiled plans for the construction of Thunder-class patrol boats, which will be dedicated to specialized missions, including critical infrastructure protection.
