Fincantieri lays keel for Italian Navy's new oceanographic ship

A keel-laying ceremony for the Italian Navy's new large oceanographic ship was held on 14 May. (Fincantieri)

Fincantieri held a keel-laying ceremony for the Italian Navy's new large oceanographic ship (Nave Idro-Oceanografica Maggiore: NIOM) in Riva Trigoso on 14 May, the shipbuilder confirmed the same day.

The vessel is being procured as part of the Italian Navy's hydro-oceanographic fleet renewal programme. It is intended to replace the navy's ageing 83 m research and survey ship Ammiraglio Magnaghi (A 5303) – which has been in service since 1975 – from around 2026.

Construction is being carried out at Fincantieri's integrated Riva Trigoso-Muggiano shipyard under a design and build contract awarded to the shipbuilder in December 2022.

The ship will be able to perform bathymetric, topographical, and geodetic surveys and acquire hydro-oceanographic, marine, and meteorological geophysical data in depths ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 m (with the ability to survey bottom and natural/artificial features up to 10,000 m).

To carry out its missions it will be equipped with scientific laboratories and will be capable of operating in the Arctic at temperatures as low as -20°C. Other features include a flight deck capable of operating and refuelling an NH90 helicopter, replenishment-at-sea (RAS) stations, alcoves for small boats and rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), cranes, a stern launch and recovery system, and NATO Role 1 medical facilities.

The vessel is designed to operate autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles rated to depths of 3,000 m as well as unmanned surface vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles.