This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
The list of ship commissionings in 1981 includes a chronological list of all ships commissioned in 1981.
| Operator | Ship | Flag | Class and type | Pennant | Other notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 March |  Coiste an Asgard
|
Asgard II | Sail training brigantine | |||
| 21 March |  Royal Australian Navy
|
Canberra | Adelaide-class frigate | FFG 02 | ||
| 14 April |  Royal Netherlands Navy
|
Piet Hein | Kortenaer-class frigate | F811 | ||
| 1 August |  Islamic Republic of Iran Navy
|
Khanjar | Kaman-class fast attack craft | P230 | ||
| 1 August | Islamic Republic of Iran Navy
|
Neyzeh | Kaman-class fast attack craft | P231 | ||
| 1 August | Islamic Republic of Iran Navy
|
Tabarzin | Kaman-class fast attack craft | P232 | ||
| 10 October |  Hellenic Navy
|
Elli | Elli-class frigate | F450 | First in class | |
| 2 December | Royal Netherlands Navy
|
Philips van Almonde | Kortenaer-class frigate | F823 |
See also
| Ship events in 1981 | |
|---|---|
| Ship launches | |
| Ship commissionings | |
| Ship decommissionings | |
| Shipwrecks | |