The steel cutting ceremony for the first of four new-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPV - Offshore Patrol Vessel) that Fincantieri will build for the Navy took place today at the Riva Trigoso shipyard (Genoa).
The event marking the start of the works was attended, among others, by the general manager of Fincantieri's naval vessels division, Dario Deste, the director of the Directorate of Naval Armaments (Navarm), Chief Inspector Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte and the CEO of Horizon Naval Systems, Giovanni Sorrentino.
The program, part of the modernization and renewal plan of the national naval instrument, includes the construction of four units, plus two more in option, with the delivery of the first scheduled for 2027. The overall value of the first 4 ships, contracted by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%), is almost 1,2 billion euros, including logistical support services.
The OPV program responds to the need to ensure adequate presence and surveillance capabilities, maritime surveillance, control of merchant traffic, protection of communication lines and the exclusive economic zone, as well as activities to protect against threats deriving from marine pollution, such as of toxic liquids.
With a length of approximately 95 meters, a displacement of approximately 2.400 tons and the capacity to accommodate 93 crew members on board, the new patrol vessels will stand out for the concentration of technological solutions, as well as for standards of excellence in terms of automation and maneuverability, which will make them suitable to operate in a wide range of tactical scenarios and weather conditions.
Among the notable innovations, the integrated naval cockpit, developed for the Multipurpose Combat Ships (PPA), of the Navy, the result of the collaboration between Fincantieri NexTech and Leonardo, which represents a generational leap. This station allows the control of the machines, rudders and platform systems, as well as some functions of the combat system by just two operators, the pilot and the co-pilot, optimizing efficiency and safety.
The OPV program marks an important milestone for Fincantieri, strengthening its position as a global leader in Naval Defense through the FCX family of products, of which the new patrol vessels are part. This project confirms not only the strategic role of the company as a partner of the Italian Navy, but also consolidates the collaboration with Leonardo through Horizon Naval Systems, underlining the excellence of the Italian Country System in the defence sector and advanced naval integration.
