The launch of the “Marcantonio Colonna” Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessel took place at the Riva Trigoso (Genoa) plant, the fifth of seven units that will all be built at the Riva Integrated Shipyard Trigoso and Muggiano with deliveries expected until 2026.
The OPVs are part of the renewal plan of the operational lines of the naval units of the Navy, decided by the Government and Parliament and launched in May 2015 under the aegis of OCCAR (Organization for Joint Co-operation in Armaments).
Present were, among others, the Undersecretary of State for Defense Matteo Perego di Cremnago, the President of the Liguria Region, Giovanni Toti, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino, the Director of OCCAR, Admiral Inspector Chief Matteo Bisceglia, welcomed by General Claudio Graziano and by Dr. Pierroberto Folgiero, respectively Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri, as well as the General Manager of the Group’s Military Ships Division, dott. 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.
“It is a very important day for this extraordinary territory and for Italy, for the national industry and for small and medium-sized enterprises, both in terms of employment and investments . Thanks to Fincantieri and related companies for the great technical and innovative value that today make the Defense system take a further step forward in the process of modernizing the operational lines of the Navy units “, continued the Undersecretary, who added:” Taking steps forward in strategic dimensions like this for national defense and security means taking steps forward for our country and for our citizens ”
The Undersecretary of State for Defense Matteo Perego of Cremnago
Technical features of the unit: PPA – Offshore Multipurpose Patrol Boats
The multi-purpose offshore patrol vessel represents a type of highly flexible vessel with the ability to perform multiple tasks ranging from patrolling with sea rescue capability, to Civil Protection operations, as well as, in its most equipped version, as a first class combat vessel line. In fact, different combat system configurations are envisaged: starting from a “light” one, related to the patrol task, integrated with self-defense capabilities, up to a “complete” one, equipped with maximum defense capabilities. Furthermore, the unit is able to use fast RHIB type boats ( Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat ) up to a length of over 11 meters by means of lateral cranes or a towing ramp located at the extreme stern.
- 143 meters long overall
- Speed up to 32 knots depending on configuration and operational trim
- 135 crew and accommodation capacity up to 181 beds
- Combined propulsion system diesel and gas turbine, or with electric motors for low speeds
- Ability to provide ashore drinking water and electricity and health support
