Launched last 22 June, the logistics support unit LSS (Logistic Support Ship) VULCANO, commissioned by Fincantieri, is 193 meters long, with a displacement of 27.200 tons and a speed of 20 nodes. Unit used for the logistic support of the fleet, it is also equipped with hospital and sanitary capacity thanks to the presence of a fully equipped hospital, with surgical rooms, radiology and analysis.
It can also be used as a cargo ship as it is capable of transporting and transferring liquid cargoes - diesel, fuel for aircraft, fresh water - and solids such as spare parts, food and ammunition to other naval units.
VULCANO can embed complex defense systems and become a platform for surveillance and electronic warfare.
It seems paradoxical, therefore, that a strategically fundamental unit for our Mediterranean policy has been severely damaged, the 23 July, by a fire on board. The flames spread from the hold to the bridge, destroying all the wiring and plant already installed as well as the load-bearing structures of the ship.
The delivery, scheduled for the 2019, had to be procrastinated for the 2020. Provided that the times of the repair work are respected, as they will have to be removed and replaced, with new parts, bridges subject to very high temperatures. It is not clear how this could have happened because on the unit, still under the responsibility of Fincantieri and equipped with sophisticated electronic systems, there had to be patrols to guarantee security. The investigators of the Weapon have delivered to the Public Prosecutor in recent days the report of the investigation: it would be excluded sabotage, not being found primers or flammable substances.
In addition to the LSS VULCANO, the multi-year program of the Navy, involves the acquisition of a transport and landing unit, LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock), called TRIESTE with a displacement of 33.000 tons, as well as seven PPAs (Multipurpose Patrol boats). Altura) THAON DI REVEL class, with an option for another three.
Common denominator to all three classes of ships is their very high level of innovation which makes them extremely flexible in the various operating scenarios. Characterizing element is the so-called dual use, ie a dual profile of employment: the typically military one and the one in case of natural disasters (as for example for operations in support of Civil Protection).
(photo: Fincantieri / VVFF)
