The Italian Coast Guard and shipbuilder Fincantieri have signed a contract for the design and construction of a multi-role offshore unit (UAM) at the headquarters of the General Command of the Harbour Authorities in Rome.
The signing took place between the Commanding General, Adm. Inspector Nicola Carlone, and the CEO of Fincantieri, Giuseppe Bono, the latter representing the two companies, Fincantieri and Cantiere Navale Vittoria, which will operate through a temporary grouping of companies (RTI).
The order, finalizing the tender procedure, is worth around 80 million euros and foresees the construction of one multi-role offshore unit, a 5-year temporary support service, as well as the possibility of exercising the option right for the construction of two additional units.
The project combines the Coast Guard’s needs with the experience acquired with the patrol vessels “Dattilo” and “Diciotti”, delivered by Fincantieri in 2013 and 2014.
The ship will be able to undertake long-range deep-sea missions, with a logistical autonomy of at least 20 days, exceeding 4,800 miles, in which – thanks to the on-board technologies and communication and discovery systems – the ship will be able to also take on the leading role of coordinating air and naval assets in the operation areas.
With a total length of about 85 meters, the vessel will feature high maneuverability thanks to an azimuth-type electric propulsion system (two azipods), powered by an electrical generation plant, and two bow thrusters for dynamic positioning. The ship will also have a large working deck with off-shore cranes and a boarding ramp for wheeled vehicles, together with the flight deck allowing the landing and take-off of helicopters, a dedicated rescue zone with RHIBS, anti-pollution systems (rec-oil), a hospital area and other equipment.
“The Coast Guard is growing in step with the development of the Italian shipbuilding industry,” said Admiral Carlone, Commander General of the Coast Guard, “a necessary development for an organization with a strong technological, professional and operational character that has come to establish itself as an excellence of our Country, also recognized internationally.”
“We are proud to help contributing once more to expand and enhance the operational capabilities of our Coast Guard with a vessel built to carry out a variety of different missions,” Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri CEO, added.
