Fincantieri cuts first steel for Italian Navy’s new oceanographic ship

A steel-cutting ceremony to mark the start of construction on the Italian Navy’s new oceanographic research vessel was held at Fincantieri’s facilities in Riva Trigoso on 19 December. (Fincantieri)

Fincantieri held a steel-cutting ceremony for the Italian Navy’s new large oceanographic ship (Nave Idro-Oceanografica Maggiore: NIOM) in Riva Trigoso on 19 December, the shipbuilder confirmed the same day.

The new vessel is being built under a design and construction contract worth EUR284 million (USD311 million) awarded to Fincantieri in December 2022. Construction will take place at the shipbuilder’s integrated Riva Trigoso-Muggiano shipyard.

The vessel is being procured as part of the Italian Navy’s hydro-oceanographic fleet renewal programme.

Ship specifications include a full load displacement of around 5,500 tonnes, an overall length of 110 m, and a beam of 19 m. The vessel will be powered by an integrated diesel-electric propulsion system enabling a top speed of 15 kt, a standard range of 7,000 n miles at 12 kt, and an endurance of 45 days. It will be able to accommodate a core crew of 80 in addition to 60 scientists.