The Navy launches Francesco Morosini, according to PPA

(To Tiziano Ciocchetti)
23/05/20

The second PPA (Polivalente d'Altura Patrol vessel) was launched yesterday at the Riva Trigoso shipyard, in the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Navy Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.

Il Francesco Morosini, baptized with the name of the great Venetian leader (and Doge) of the seventeenth century, is part of a commission of seven units (with a possible option of 3 others) which saw the launch of the Thaon of Revel.

Il Francesco Morosini it should have been launched at the end of March, but Fincantieri had to postpone the launch due to the Coronavirus crisis (during which the company suspended production on its shipyards for a few weeks). As for the third (Raimondo Montecuccoli) and the fourth PPA, Fincantieri said there will be no delay.

The PPAs (although they have a class displacement of a frigate) have a length of 133 meters and can carry 90 crew members, with the possibility of additional accommodation for up to 171 members. The ship's hybrid propulsion system features small gearbox-mounted engines, for low-speed operations, two propelled diesel engines for medium-speed service, and the LM2500 G4 gas turbine to reach 32 knots.

The PPAs are built at the Fincantieri di Riva Trigoso and Muggiano integrated shipyard, with deliveries scheduled, for the first ship in the class in 2021, while subsequent deliveries will take place in 2022, 2023, 2024 (two units), 2025 and 2026.

Photo: Marina Military