The Italian Navy has taken delivery of its second multi-purpose offshore patrol ship, the “Francesco Morosini,” from local shipbuilding firm Fincantieri.
A handover ceremony was held in Milan on Saturday, with officials from the company and the Italian Navy in attendance.
According to Fincantieri, the newly-delivered ship was built in a “light” configuration, allowing it to conduct patrols with basic self-defense capabilities.
A total of seven offshore patrol vessels will be built at an integrated shipyard in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, with deliveries set to be completed in 2026.
The first Francesco Morosini ship was launched in 2020.
Features
The Francesco Morosini offshore patrol ship is part of a new combatant platform class that features technological and capability upgrades.
It comes in three different configurations (light, light plus, and full), each with various sensors and weapons payloads.
With an overall length of 143 meters (468 feet), the ship can carry 135 crew members and travel at up to 32 knots (59 kilometers/36 miles per hour).
“The patrol ship is also capable of operating high-speed vessels such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) up to 11 meters long through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern,” Fincantieri stated.
In addition to maritime patrol, the Francesco Morosini can perform maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.