The Italian Coast Guard has commissioned Fincantieri and Vittoria Shipyard to design and build a new eco-friendly, multi-role vessel capable of fulfilling numerous tasks, with suggested missions including sea rescue, civil protection, marine conservation and long-range patrols into deepwater regions, to name but a few.
The order, valued at €80 million (US$90.7 million), includes not only construction of the vessel but provision of a five-year temporary support service, plus an option for two additional vessels. The forthcoming ship will feature a length of approximately 85m and will offer its crew autonomy for up to 20 days, equating to more than 4,800 miles. Consequently, the vessel could also be used to coordinate air and naval assets in its operational area(s), Fincantieri says.
The ship will feature a pair of electrically powered azipods, plus two bow thrusters to assist dynamic positioning. A large working deck will host offshore cranes and a boarding ramp for land and amphibious vehicles, while helicopters will be able to land on, and depart from, a dedicated flight deck. There will also be an onboard rescue zone, featuring rescue RIBs, pollution response equipment and a hospital area.
