The LSS Programme achieved an important milestone with the keel laying ceremony of the bow section of the 2nd Logistic Support Ship (LSS) for France, ordered by Chantiers de l’Atlantique to Fincantieri under the LSS programme.
Keel laying event in Castellammare di Stabia shipyard (Credit: OCCAR)
The event took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia (Next to Naples) on 06 December 2022, 22 months after the keel laying of her elder sister, the bow section of LSS «Jacques Chevallier» (A725). This important step officially marks the laying of the First Ship Hull Blocks for the bow section on the slipway in the Fincantieri construction yard.
After its completion, the bow section will be transferred to Saint-Nazaire for the final assembly of the LSS «Jacques Stosskopf» (A726). The second and third French LSS are to be built under the auspices of the French-Italian cooperation and the contractual framework of OCCAR for a delivery scheduled in 2025.
The Franco-Italian Logistic Support Ship (LSS) Programme is led by OCCAR on behalf of DGA, the French Armament General Directorate, and its Italian counterpart, Naval Weaponry Direction (NAVARM). The LSS programme consists of the development and the production of six ships (two for Italy and four for France) along with in-service support, with a third-one for the Italian Navy as on option.
LSS «Jacques Chevallier» (A725) (Credit: Chantiers de l’Atlantiq)
On November 26, 2022 the technical launch of the Multipurpose Offshore Patrol ship (PPA – Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) «Marcantonio Colonna» (P433) took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Riva Trigoso (Genova). The vessel is the fifth of seven vessels to be built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano with deliveries expected until 2026.
The fifth PPA «Marcantonio Colonna» launched in Riva Trigoso
The PPAs are part of the renewal plan of the operational lines of the Italian Navy vessels, approved by the Government and Parliament and started in May 2015 («Naval Act») under the aegis of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement, the international organization for cooperation on arms).
At the ceremony, among others, the Undersecretary of Defence, Matteo Perego di Cremnago, the Governor of Liguria Region, Giovanni Toti, the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral OF-9 Enrico Credendino, OCCAR-EA Director, Admiral Matteo Bisceglia, were received by General Claudio Graziano and Pierroberto Folgiero, respectively Chairman and CEO of Fincantieri, as well as the General Manager Naval Vessels Division of the Group, Dario Deste.
Marcantonio Colonna, who lived between 1535 and 1584, was one of the most illustrious land and sea captains of the 16th century, also protagonist of the battle of Lepanto in 1571. The godmother of the launch was Jeanne Colonna Pavoncelli, descendant of the distinguished family.
The Undersecretary of Defence, Matteo Perego di Cremnago, said: «It is a very important day for this extraordinary territory and for Italy, for the national industry and for small and medium-sized companies, both in terms of employment and investments. Thanks to Fincantieri and all the related companies for the great technical and innovative value that today allow the Defense-system of the Country to take another step forward in the process of modernizing the operational lines of the Navy’s vessels». The Undersecretary added: «Strategic-wise, taking such steps forward for national defense and security means taking steps forward for our Country and for our citizens».
The multipurpose offshore patrol vessel is a highly flexible ship, fit to serve multiple functions, ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to Civil Protection operations and, in its most highly equipped version, first line fighting vessel. For the seven vessels of the program there will be indeed different configurations of combat system: starting from a «soft» version for the patrol task, integrated for self-defence ability, to a «full» one, which means equipped for a complete defence ability. The patrol ship is also capable of operating high-speed vessels such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) up to 11 meters/36 feet long through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern.
143 meters/469 feet long overall
Speed up to 32 knots/37 mph/59 km/h according to vessel configuration and operational conditions
Approximately 135 crew members and accommodation capacity up to 181 beds
Combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion system, i.e. with electric motors for low speeds
Capacity to supply drinking water, electricity and health support to land
Trieste, October 22, 2022 took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia) the delivery of the Multipurpose Offshore Patrol ship (PPA – Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) «Francesco Morosini» (P431), second of seven vessels all to be built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano with deliveries expected until 2026.
Second Multipurpose Offshore Patrol ship «Francesco Morosini» (P431) delivered
The PPAs are part of the renewal plan of the operational lines of the Italian Navy vessels, approved by the Government and Parliament and started in May 2015 («Naval Act») under the aegis of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement, the international organization for cooperation on arms).
Attended the event, among others, the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral OF-9 Enrico Credendino, and the General Manager Naval Vessels Division of Fincantieri, Dario Deste.
The multipurpose offshore patrol vessel is a highly flexible ship with the capacity to serve multiple functions, ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to Civil Protection operations and, in its most highly equipped version, first line fighting vessel. For the seven vessels of the program there will be indeed different configurations of combat system: starting from a «soft» version for the patrol task, integrated for self-defence ability, to a «full» one, which means equipped for a complete defence ability. The patrol ship is also capable of operating high-speed vessels such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) up to 11 meters long through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern.
143 meters/469 feet long overall
Speed up to 32 knots/37 mph/59 km/h according to vessel configuration and operational conditions
Approximately 135 crew members and accommodation capacity up to 181 beds
Combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion system, i.e., with electric motors for low speeds
The steel cutting ceremony of the second Logistic Support Ship (LSS) for the Italian Navy, within a program including the option for a third ship, took place on July 20, 2022 at the Castellammare di Stabia shipyard, where the LSS will be entirely built and delivered in 2025.
Fincantieri: steel cutting of the second LSS unit for the Italian Navy
The value of the contract is approximately 410 million euros including the combat system.
As part of the multi-year program aimed at safeguarding Italy’s Defence at-sea capacity (known as the «Naval Act»), Fincantieri is currently building seven multi-purpose offshore patrol vessels (PPA) – the first one, «Thaon di Revel», was delivered in March – and the «Trieste» Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD). Last year the Group delivered the «Vulcano» LSS, a vessel launched at the Castellammare di Stabia shipyard. That project was also acquired by the French Navy for the definition of the Flotlog program, a series of units built in partnership with the same shipyard.
The basic characteristic common to all three classes of ships is their very high level of innovation, which makes them extremely flexible in their various profiles of use with a high degree of efficiency. Most importantly, it will be possible to use these units in a complementary way even for non-military-related activities, such as, for example, supporting civil protection in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Moreover, their environmental impact is low, thanks to advanced low pollution emission generators and electric-drive propulsion motors and biological waste control systems.
At the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State of Qatar for Defence Affairs His Excellency Doctor Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and Italian Minister of Defense, Honourable Lorenzo Guerini, the delivery of the second OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessels) QENS Sheraouh (Q62), ordered to Fincantieri by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place at the Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard. The program is worth nearly 4 billion euros and envisages, other than 2 OPVs, 4 Corvettes over 100 meters/328 feet long and 1 LPD (Landing Platform Dock).
Offshore Patrol Vessel QENS Sheraouh (Q62) for Qatar delivered
Attending the event were, among others, Staff Major General Abdulla Bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Enrico Credendino, Chief of the Italian Navy, His Excellency Khalid bin Yousef Al-Sada, Ambassador to the State of Qatar in Italy, His Excellency Alessandro Prunas, Ambassador of Italy to Qatar and, for Fincantieri, the Chairman, General Claudio Graziano, and the CEO and General manager Pierroberto Folgiero.
Like its sister-ship QENS Musherib (Q61), delivered in January 2022, the OPV QENS Sheraouh (Q62), has been designed in compliance with the RINAMIL for Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) rules and is a flexible type of ship capable of performing several services, from surveillance to combat functions. It is about 63 meters/206.7 feet long, 9.2 meters/30.2 feet wide, with a maximum speed of 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 km/h and it accommodates as many as 38 of crew members.
Last May the keel laying of the LPD took place in Palermo, while in April Fincantieri has delivered QENS Damsah (F102) in Muggiano, the second of 4 corvettes, all within the same program for Qatar.
The keel laying of the amphibious vessel (LPD – Landing Platform Dock) ordered to Fincantieri by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place at the Palermo shipyard.
The keel laying ceremony (Fincantieri picture)
The ceremony, held in a restricted format and in full compliance with anti-contagion requirements, was attended by Brig. Ahmad Al Hammadi, Qatari Emiri Naval Forces Head of Project Control Office-Italy, and Marcello Giordano and Umberto Aloi, respectively Fincantieri Palermo shipyard Director and Vice President Export Programs.
The LPD is designed consistent with the RINAMIL (rules for naval ships classification) rules to ensure extremely efficient land-air-marine connections. It will be highly flexible and capable of fulfilling different kinds of tasks, from humanitarian interventions to support the Armed Forces and land operations.
The ship will be about 143 meters/469 feet long, 21.5 meters/70.5 feet wide and it will be able to accommodate about 550 persons on board, equipped with two vehicle ramps and an internal floodable dock, capable of accommodating a ready-to-go LCM (Landing Craft Mechanized) that can also be stored on garage deck, and can be deployed using a system of davits. Furthermore, the flight deck is sized for hosting NH90 helicopter.
The delivery of the corvette QENS Damsah (F102), the second of the Al Zubarah-class of four vessels ordered to Fincantieri by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place on April 28, 2022 at the Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard.
Second corvette for Qatar delivered
The ceremony, held in a restricted format and in full compliance with anti-contagion requirements, was attended by Brigadier General Abdulla Al Mazroey, Deputy Chief of the Qatar Navy and Commander of the Flottilla, Major General Staff Hilal Al Muhannadi, Defense Attaché of the State of Qatar in Rome, Rear Admiral Pierpaolo Ribuffo, Maritime Commander – North, and by Marco Acca, Deputy General Manager Naval Vessels Division of Fincantieri.
The Al Zubarah-class corvettes, designed consistent with the Rules for the classification of Naval Ships (RINAMIL Rules), will be highly flexible and capable of fulfilling different kinds of tasks, from surveillance with sea rescue capacities to being fighting vessels. They will be about 107 meters/351 feet long, 14.7 meters/48 feet wide, and equipped with a COMbined Diesel And Diesel plant (CODAD), with a maximum speed of 28 knots/32 mph/52 km/h. The units will be able to accommodate 112 persons on board.
Furthermore, the corvettes will be capable of operating high-speed boats such as Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern. The flight deck and hangar are sized for hosting one NH90 helicopter.
The launching of the corvette QENS Sumaysimah (F104), the fourth of the Al Zubarah-class of four vessels ordered to Fincantieri by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place today at the Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard.
Fourth corvette for Qatar launched
The ceremony, held in a restricted format and in full compliance with anti-contagion requirements, was attended by H.E. Khalid bin Yousef Al-Sada, Ambassador of The State of Qatar to Italy, Brigadier Rashid Al Qashouti, Chief of Staff Representative of Qatar Armed Forces, Brigadier Ali Ameen, Chief of Qatar Navy Representative, Major General Staff Hilal Al Muhannadi, Defense Attaché of the State of Qatar in Rome, Rear Admiral Riccardo Marchiò, Italian Navy MCM Force Commander, and by Marco Acca, Deputy General Manager Naval Vessel Division of Fincantieri.
The Al Zubarah-class corvettes, designed consistent with the RINAMIL rules, will be highly flexible and capable of fulfilling different kinds of tasks, from surveillance with sea rescue capacities to being fighting vessels. They will be about 107 meters/351 feet long, 14.7 meters/48 feet wide, and equipped with a combined diesel and diesel plant (CODAD), with a maximum speed of 28 knots/32 mph/52 km/h. The units will be able to accommodate 112 persons on board.
Furthermore, the corvettes will be capable of operating high-speed boats such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern. The flight deck and hangar are sized for hosting one NH90 helicopter.
On February 12, 2022, the technical launch of the fourth Multipurpose Offshore Patrol ship (PPA – Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) «Giovanni delle Bande Nere» (P433) took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Riva Trigoso (Genoa).
Fincantieri launches the fourth PPA « Giovanni delle Bande Nere » in Riva Trigoso
This PPA, to be delivered in 2024, is the first in «full» version, which means equipped for a complete defence ability, and the first to be supplied with generator sets by Isotta Fraschini Motori, a Fincantieri subsidiary specialized in the production of diesel engines.
The vessel is part of the renewal plan of the operational lines of the Italian Navy vessels, approved by the Government and Parliament and started in May 2015 («Naval Act») under the aegis of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement, the international organization for cooperation on arms).
The multipurpose offshore patrol vessel is a highly flexible ship with the capacity to serve multiple functions, ranging from patrol with sea rescue capacity to Civil Protection operations and, in its most highly equipped version, first line fighting vessel. For the seven vessels of the program there will be indeed different configurations of combat system: starting from a «soft» version for the patrol task, integrated for self-defence ability, to a «full» one, as described above. The patrol ship is also capable of operating high-speed vessels such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) up to 11 meters/36 feet long through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern.
133 meters/436 feet long
Speed more than 31 knots/35.7 mph/57.4 km/h according to vessel configuration and operational conditions
145 crew members and accommodation capacity up to 181 beds
Combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion system, i.e. with electric motors for low speeds
Capacity to supply drinking water to land
The PPAs will be built at the Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with deliveries expected until 2026.
Giovanni delle Bande Nere – Ludovico di Giovanni de’ Medici, also known as Giovanni delle Bande Nere (born April 6, 1498, Forli – died November 30, 1526 Mantua), was an Italian Renaissance «condottiero» (captain of mercenary forces). He belonged to a cadet branch of the Medici.
The light cruiser that during World War II was named after him was launched in 1930. During the conflict, equipped with seaplanes, Bande Nere participated in the Battle of Calabria. Later deployed to the Aegean Sea to attack enemy units, she took part in the battle off Cape Spada, fighting against an Australian cruiser and 5 British destroyers. Successful missions conducted by Bande Nere included the laying of Minefield T, a coastal mine barrier off Tripoli, which caused the sinking of an enemy cruiser and a destroyer, besides severely damaging other two cruisers. This was the most significant result ever achieved thanks to minelaying during WW II. During the Second Battle of Sirte, Bande Nere hit another British cruiser. In 1942, returning from one of her missions, she was fatally torpedoed off the island of Stromboli.
In 2019, during a technical verification and surveillance of the seabed in the Tyrrhenian Sea near Stromboli, the Italian Navy’s minesweeper Vieste found the wreck of the Light Cruiser sunk 77 years before with her brave crew.
Production activities for the first of 2 new-generation submarines, as part of the U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) acquisition program of the Italian Navy, started today at the Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard.
Production activities on the first Italian Navy’s NFS submarine start
The program, which also envisages relevant in-service support, an option for 2 additional units, as well as the creation of a Training Center, is led by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation en matiere d’Armement, the international organization for joint armament cooperation), in line with the most innovative management procedures, through life management and risk management.
The project is an evolution of the U212A program carried out in cooperation with the German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, which resulted in the production of 4 submarines for Italy – Salvatore Todaro (S-526), Scirè (S-527), Pietro Venuti (S-528) and Romeo Romei (S-529), delivered by Fincantieri between 2006 and 2017 – and 6 for Germany. According to highly reliable analyses, the technological content of these air-independent propulsion submarines determined the shift in the balance between nuclear and conventional vessels in the postwar period.
The new submarines will be highly innovative, with significant design modifications which will all be developed independently by Fincantieri. The U212NFS program, which envisages the first two deliveries in 2027 and 2029, responds to the need to secure adequate underwater spatial surveillance and control capacity, considering the future complex scenarios of underwater operations and that the operational lifetime of the 4 Sauro class submarines, currently in service, is drawing near. It also aims at upholding and further developing Fincantieri’s acquired strategic and innovative industrial know-how, as well as consolidating the technological lead attained by the company and its supply chain, major industries, and small and medium-sized enterprises of the sector, enhancing the presence on board of technologically advanced component parts developed by Italian industries.
The submarines carry out many different tasks for the benefit of the community on a daily basis, preserving national interests and collective defense within the framework of the most important alliances in which the Italy participates, NATO and the EU. They range from purely military missions to operations pertaining to freedom of navigation, anti-piracy, keeping the energy supply routes safe (due to the presence of seabed resources or underwater infrastructure), observance of international law, fighting terrorism, defending external borders, and safeguarding maritime infrastructure, including essential off-shore and underwater infrastructure, not least preserving marine ecosystems.
