Investing.com – As part of the OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) program of the Italian Navy (MM), Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), the joint venture owned by Fincantieri (BIT:) and Leonardo (BIT:), with shares respectively of 51% and 49%, received from the Navy the notification related to the exercise of the option for the construction of the fourth new generation patrol vessel and related logistical support.
The total cost of the operation is approximately 236 million euros. In the following days, OSN will conclude the sub-supply contracts by notifying Fincantieri and Leonardo of the exercise of the options, which will have a value of approximately 163 million euros and approximately 70 million euros respectively.
The OPV program, which contributes to the modernization and renewal plan of Italian Navy units, responds to the need to guarantee an adequate presence and capability in surveillance, maritime surveillance, control of merchant traffic, protection of lines of communication and the exclusive economic zone, as well as protection activities from threats arising from marine pollution, such as the dumping of toxic liquids.
The characteristics of the new patrol boats
With a length of approximately 95 meters, a displacement of 2,300 tons and the capacity to accommodate 97 crew members on board, the new patrol vessels, which will be built at Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyard in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, “will stand out in their concentration of technological solutions, as well as standards of efficiency in terms of automation and mobility, which will make them suitable to operate in a wide range of tactical scenarios and atmospheric conditions”, explained by Fincantieri and Leonardo in a press release.
Among the most innovative features are the naval cockpit, developed for the Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Boats (PPA) of the Navy, an integrated station, made by Leonardo and Fincantieri NexTech, which allows the execution of operations of ship and naval air; from the part of only the two operators, the pilot and the co-pilot, who included the numbers of the officer in charge of the bridge and the commander. From this station, located on the control bridge, in fact it is possible to manage both engines, rudder and platform systems and some functions of the combat system.