Fincantieri has launched the Italian Navy’s first next generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), Ugolino Vivaldi, at its Riva Trigoso shipyard, marking a significant milestone in Italy’s naval modernisation programme.
The vessel is the first of four Offshore Patrol Vessels being built under a contract awarded to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, the joint venture between Fincantieri, which holds 51 percent, and Leonardo, with 49 percent. The programme was assigned by the Naval Armaments Directorate, part of Italy’s National Armaments Directorate.
Senior representatives from the Italian Navy, regional authorities and industry attended the ceremony. The ship’s launch sponsor was Alessandra Marsigli Cavriani, granddaughter of Lieutenant Commander Alessandro Cavriani, who was lost at sea in 1943 while scuttling the original Ugolino Vivaldi.
Advanced Design and Automation
Measuring approximately 95 metres in length with a displacement of around 2,400 tonnes, the new OPV can accommodate a crew of 93 personnel. The platform has been designed to deliver high levels of automation, manoeuvrability and operational flexibility across a wide range of tactical scenarios and sea conditions.
A key innovation is the integrated naval cockpit, first introduced on the Italian Navy’s Multi Purpose Combat Ships. Developed through collaboration between Fincantieri NexTech and Leonardo, the system allows two operators, pilot and co pilot, to control propulsion, steering and platform systems, alongside selected combat functions. The approach is intended to enhance efficiency, reduce workload and improve overall safety during operations.
Multi Role Operational Capability
The OPV programme is designed to ensure sustained maritime presence and surveillance capabilities. Core missions include patrol duties, merchant traffic control, protection of sea lines of communication and safeguarding Italy’s exclusive economic zone. The vessels are also equipped to support environmental protection tasks, including countering marine pollution incidents such as toxic liquid spills.
The new class forms part of Fincantieri’s FCX product family and reinforces the company’s position within the global naval defence market. For the Italian Navy, the OPV programme represents a further step in strengthening fleet readiness through advanced, digitally enabled platforms tailored to evolving maritime security requirements.
